As the leader in food stamp prescreening and outreach in New York City, FoodChange maintains a strong role in the food stamp advocacy community. For more than ten years, we have led the New York City Food Stamp Task Force, a group committed to identifying hurdles to Food Stamp Program participation and proposing actions to overcome these barriers. The Task Force, comprised of leaders in government and non-profit sectors, meets monthly to discuss current challenges facing advocates, and develops collaborative ways to better assist food stamp applicants and recipients.

During these meetings, representatives from NYC Human Resources Administration, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service – Western Region report on upcoming changes to policies and procedures affecting food stamp applicants and participants. In addition, they share information on procedural changes that impact funding, media outreach, project staff and clients. Advocates representing non-profits and community-based organizations also raise questions and share their experiences.

For more information, contact Nicole Christensen at nchristensen@foodchange.org.