Poster #88 - Reforming Local Food Assistance: Evidence and Community-Led Solutions from New York City

• In Event: Friday Poster Reception

Abstract

In the wake of pandemic-era benefit rollbacks and rising cost-of-living pressures, New Yorkers are increasingly turning to emergency food assistance to meet basic needs. This study draws on primary data from the Communities Speak survey, a collaborative initiative between Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, over 30 community-based organizations (CBOs), the New York City Council, and the Borough Presidents’ offices, to examine the reach and limitations of food pantries, soup kitchens, and local community fridges in New York City. Our research combines primary data collected from over 1,500 survey respondents with geospatial analysis of grassroots community fridges and food assistance sites funded by the NYC Human Resources Administration’s Community Food Connection program. The survey was administered both online and in person in partnership with CBOs, and made available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Mandarin. We analyze survey data to highlight geographic and demographic disparities in chronic food insecurity, acute hunger, difficulties in accessing public benefits and services, and other compounding hardships. Food assistance includes food banks or pantries, community kitchens where meals are served, community fridges where food is available to take, faith-based organizations, and free meal delivery (e.g., Meals on Wheels) within a four-week period. 

As federal programs like SNAP fall short of meeting the full extent of households’ needs and perennial barriers prevent participation, we find the burden of assistance in accessing adequate food is shifting to local infrastructure. In low-income neighborhoods with limited grocery access, future federal benefit cuts or supply chain disruptions—like those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic—risk further deepening these inequities. Findings reveal significant variation in where and how families seek food assistance relative to need, with higher reliance on community fridges in areas with fewer food pantry and kitchen service locations and monthly hours. Currently, there is limited data on community fridges, which emerged during the pandemic as a grassroots response to food insecurity. While most fridges face barriers to accepting donations due to 501(c)(3) restrictions, we find that households across income levels continue to utilize them. In highlighting these dynamics, we propose strategies for collaborative evidence generation to amplify voices often excluded from policymaking processes and strengthen coordination across city agencies for more resilient, equitable outcomes.

Author

• Marisa Lenay Carter, Columbia University
  Presenting Author