We largely know what makes people healthy, and what doesn’t. Access to nutritious food is one key driver of health. So, it is doubly unjustifiable to threaten food that children, older people, and families need to thrive and contribute to the economy and to communities. Stopping coverage of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is unfair and unwise. New York Academy of Medicine calls for the US government to meet its obligation to run the SNAP program as Congress has designated. At New York Academy of Medicine we have always supported the best practices to protect and advance health for all, from advocating for vaccines, to guiding communities through the COVID pandemic, to today, supporting the reinstalment of SNAP benefits for all recipients.
Basic Nutrition is a Prerequisite for Health
The ongoing federal government shutdown is already affecting communities across the nation and here in the tri-state area. This past Friday, two federal judges determined that the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) should remain in place during the ongoing government dispute. However, the Trump administration recently stated they would stated they would not supply any SNAP benefits until the government shutdown has concluded. This is concerning from a health perspective to our communities because 1.8 million New Yorkers are vulnerable to food scarcity and malnutrition. At New York Academy of Medicine, we are aware that the brunt of this impact is happening to members of our communities who are least able to cover this crucial gap.
“We have always known how crucial nutrition is to personal and civic health,” Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH, New York Academy of Medicine’s president said. “We have 10,000 cookbooks and related items in our medical historical library that show how people have used food as literal medicine for as long as societies have existed. Adequate food for pregnant people, growing children, people with disabilities, older folks, and everyone in between, benefits us all.”
Stances from Other Leading Health Advocacy and Food Security Organizations
Our position aligns with other organizations whose expertise led them to the conclusion that this suspension of SNAP benefits needlessly harms the most resource-scarce New Yorkers. We agree with Food Bank for NYC that New Yorkers should stand together to combat hunger and malnutrition as the government shutdown continues. New York Health Foundation rightly states that no one should have to decide between eating, keeping the lights on, or paying rent. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with WIN (formerly Women in Need) in recognizing that SNAP benefits are essential to covering baby formula and children’s meals for thousands of families across the five boroughs.
Our Commitment
New York Academy of Medicine remains committed to food security and access to nutritious foods for all by:
- Advancing equitable access to a nutritious diet: everyone needs food
- Supporting rigorous, independent food security and nutrition research
- Promoting clear communication about the link between access to nutritious food and positive health outcomes
- Fostering dialogue and action between communities and providers
Building Trust
Access to nutritious food is a fundamental baseline for healthy people and healthier communities. Through research, education, and community partnerships, we are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based information.
If you, your family, or anyone else you know relies on SNAP benefits, here are some resources you might find helpful:
- The Legal Aid Society: What You Need to Know About Cash Assistance & SNAP From the NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
- Mutual Aid Society: A comprehensive list of NYC-based food assistance programs and nonprofits
- City Harvest: Food being distributed freely via their interactive Food Map
- Food Bank for NYC: Find a Food Pantry Near Me
- Hunger Free America: SNAP Benefits Access
New York Academy of Medicine is determined to help all New Yorkers and members of our wider community live healthier, longer lives. To that end, we will continue to keep you informed about the ongoing situation with SNAP benefits and other food security issues.
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| Ann Kurth, PhD, CNM, MPH President, New York Academy of Medicine |
Wayne J. Riley, MD, MPH, MBA, MACP Chair, Board of Trustees New York Academy of Medicine |