Bronx leaders unite to tackle hunger with $15,000 initiative

Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Council Member Eric Dinowitz joined forces on August 8, 2024, at the Norwood Farmstand green market.

With Bronx County reporting the highest percentage of food insecurity in New York State, this initiative aims to provide critical support to residents struggling to access nutritious food.

At the event, held at East Gun Hill Road and Dekalb Avenue, Gibson and Dinowitz announced the distribution of $15,000 in Health Bucks—$2 coupons that can be redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables at NYC farmers markets and green stands.

The allocation includes $10,000 from the Bronx Borough President’s Office and an additional $5,000 from Dinowitz, who also earmarked another $15,000 specifically for the Norwood Farmstand.

“As food prices rise and access to fresh produce dwindles, our communities are feeling the strain,” stated Borough President Gibson. “Many residents find themselves in food deserts, leading to poor health outcomes. Our $10,000 investment in Health Bucks aims to alleviate hunger, boost nutrition, and foster urban agriculture. I appreciate the collaboration with Council Member Dinowitz and organizations like GrowNYC in our fight against food insecurity.”

Council Member Dinowitz echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgent need for action. “With nearly 600,000 Bronx adults facing food insecurity in 2022, we must reinforce our commitment to our community’s needs. Organizations like GrowNYC play a vital role in distributing fresh produce, and I’m proud to support their efforts through discretionary funding.”

The announcement comes in light of worrying statistics from the New York State Department of Health, revealing that 39% of Bronx residents experience food insecurity—the highest rate in the state. This alarming trend reflects a national increase in food insecurity rates, which rose to 11.2% between 2020 and 2022, according to the USDA.

Despite housing the Hunts Point Cooperative Market, the world’s largest food distribution center, the Bronx continues to grapple with high levels of food insecurity. Nearly 13% of residents lack access to sufficient nutritious food, with approximately half relying on SNAP benefits in a borough facing the highest rates of diabetes and obesity in New York City.

The Health Bucks initiative, launched in 2005, incentivizes New Yorkers to purchase fresh produce, allowing customers using SNAP benefits to earn up to $10 in Health Bucks for every $2 spent at farmers markets.

“Access to fresh, nutritious food should be a right for every New Yorker, regardless of income,” asserted NYC Health Department Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “To achieve our public health goals and combat chronic illnesses, we need strong partnerships, and I commend Borough President Gibson for her advocacy in building a healthier Bronx.”

Norwood Farmstand, a community staple since 2013, is part of GrowNYC’s extensive network of food access sites across the city, ensuring that local farms thrive while providing residents with essential nutrition.

“By accepting nutrition benefits and offering Health Bucks, we’re committed to making fresh, local food accessible to all New Yorkers,” said Tutu Badaru, Assistant Director of GrowNYC Food Access Initiatives. “This program enhances purchasing power for shoppers, making it easier for them to choose healthier options.”

The combined effort between local government and community organizations marks a significant step towards addressing food insecurity and improving health outcomes for Bronx residents.