Press Release
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For Immediate Release |
Contact: (202) 225-3965 |
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Congressman Crowley Tours Food Bank For New York City with Special Guest USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon
Crowley and Concannon Visit Distribution Center; Discuss Efforts to Address Childhood Obesity
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| Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, September 28, Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-the Bronx, Queens) joined U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary For Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Kevin Concannon for a tour of the Food Bank for New York City’s distribution center in Hunts Point. During the visit, Crowley and Concannon toured the Food Bank’s 90,000-square-foot warehouse, which last year procured, stored and distributed more than 74 million pounds of food, including more than 14 million pounds of fresh produce – helping to provide the food for 400,000 free meals a day to New Yorkers in need. “I welcome Under Secretary Concannon to the Bronx and thank him for taking time to meet with the Food Bank For New York City to witness firsthand the many hunger-relief and nutrition education programs the organization provides for the people of New York,” said Congressman Crowley. “Childhood obesity is a growing problem in New York and around the country, and for those who face difficulty in affording food – let alone healthy foods – the issue is even more challenging. By opening the door to affordable, healthy foods and providing nutrition education programs specifically for children and young adults, the Food Bank is helping more and more New Yorkers lead healthy lifestyles.” “Now is a critical time in our history, where people struggle to put healthy food on the table,” said Under Secretary Concannon. “I applaud the Food Bank For New York City for providing nutritious food and necessary resources so people are able to live healthy lifestyles.” Congressman Crowley is a strong advocate of programs that provide access and resources to encourage healthy eating and living. A long-time supporter of the Food Bank, Crowley has participated in their food distribution activities at the Benedict Avenue Community Food Pantry and the Iglesia Biblica Restauracion Soup Kitchen. He has also supported the Seniors and Farmers Market Nutrition Programs, which allow urban residents, particularly seniors, to purchase fresh, regional produce. Crowley also created the Physical Education for Progress (PEP) program to improve physical education programs for K-12 students. In addition, Crowley has secured over $300,000 in federal funding for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club to develop obesity prevention programs for children. “We thank Congressman Crowley and Under Secretary Concannon for taking the time to see what we do firsthand," said Lucy Cabrera, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Food Bank For New York City. "Without the support of the USDA and our Representatives in Washington, much of our work to expand access to healthy food for low-income New Yorkers – from distributing emergency food to connecting eligible New Yorkers with food stamp benefits and providing nutrition education that empowers them to create healthy meals on a budget – would not be possible.” Congressman Crowley is the six-term representative from the 7th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. ### |