Elevating Voices for a Healthier Future: Our Stand Before the NYC City Council
The Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education, and Policy is driven by a commitment to improve public well-being through education and advocacy. Alongside a powerful team from our Food Ed Coalition, we recently showcased the impactful synergy of collective voices and dedicated leadership in front of the NYC City Council's Education Committee.
Why Testify? The Power of Civic Engagement
Testifying before the City Council and outlining community needs is not simply a formality – it’s a fundamental aspect of democratic engagement. These opportunities allow individuals and organizations to influence public policy by providing a platform to share expertise, personal stories, and research findings. Ultimately, public testimonies can help shape legislative priorities, inform decisions, and change policies to better reflect the needs and values of our communities.
A Coalition for Change
Our very own Dr. Jen Cadenhead and Oliver Gonzalez-Yoakum stood united in front of the council's Education Committee (led by Council Member Rita Joseph) alongside a formidable alliance of Food and Nutrition Education advocates including champions from Family Cook Productions, Edible Schoolyard, Leave it Better, Harlem Grown, Wellness In the Schools, Common Threads, and the Beecher’s Foundation. We collectively called for robust support for the Food Ed Coalition, integration of food and nutrition education in NYC Public Schools, support for the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience, and crucial funding for the Office of Food & Nutrition Services (OFNS). At a recent Food Ed Hub meeting, we were joined by Elizabeth Hoffman (Assistant Director), Aliya Ali (Unit Head), Andrew Lane-Lawless (Analyst) from the City Council Finance Division to discuss the City Council's food education and related priorities and the budget process. This partnership reflects a significant milestone City Council’s support of the Food Ed Hub’s advocacy initiatives and we are so grateful for their partnership and support!
At the Tisch Food Center, we believe that these initiatives are absolutely imperative and ultimately set up both individuals and communities to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Voices That Inspire: The Youth Speak
Amplifying our message were the inspiring voices of youth speakers, who bravely highlighted pressing issues such as restorative justice, mental health support, and the urgent need for better cafeteria food. Their perspectives and touching stories remind us that at the heart of our advocacy lies the well-being and future of our children.
Check Us Out!
Check out this past year’s testimony here! To view the testimony, please ensure that the session drop-down on the top of the screen reflects “Session 2024 to 2025” and “Committee on Education”. Dr. Jen Cadenhead’s testimony can be viewed under the Meeting Topic “ 9:57:39. and Oliver’s can be viewed immediately after at 10:01:44 under the Meeting Topic of “Preliminary Budget Hearing - Education”. Please see the screenshot above for more details.