Kosher Food Legislation Introduced to Help Hungry New Yorkers

WASHINGTON It's estimated 244,000 Jewish homes live in poverty in New York City. Some federal lawmakers from New York want to help those struggling Jewish families who are susceptible to hunger have access to food.

Earlier this month, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Joe Crowley introduced legislation to ensure kosher food pantries receive an adequate food supply as part of the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The federal program helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans.

Gillibrand and Crowley, both Democrats on Capitol Hill, said the legislation requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to target, label and track distribution of kosher foods. Although USDA purchases some kosher foods under TEFAP, the agency neither tracks nor labels them to verify the meals reach kosher-specific pantries and destinations, according to the lawmakers. USDA's Food and Nutrition Service administers TEFAP at the federal level, and state agencies receive the food and supervise overall administration.

"With food insecurity in New York reaching disturbing, historic highs and food banks facing extreme shortages of kosher meals, many families are at risk of hunger and malnutrition," Gillibrand said in a statement Nov. 19. "We must take steps to help the neediest observant families and children get access to nutritious food during these difficult times."