Who has the right to eat nutritious food in the state of New York? While it seems like a topic that shouldn’t be up for debate, it’s one some state lawmakers are trying to make a front-and-center issue at the state Capitol amid increasing food insecurity concerns.
“Robbing Paul to pay Peter,” said Michelle Breault. “No matter what we do it’s just not enough.”
Michelle Breault gets real about the financial struggles she’s facing. She’s on Social Security and some months her bills are more than what her check covers.
While waiting in a food distribution line, she shared she often doesn’t have enough money to put food on the table.
“I’m on a limited income and I have bills,” said Breault. “I’ve got taxes. I’ve got everything. So, coming here makes me, allows me to have my home and still have food on my table. So, I am very grateful for this.”
Right now, there’s a proposal being debated in committee in both the New York state Assembly and the state Senate that would establish a constitutional right to food in the Empire State.
It was introduced last January. The bills are being sponsored by state Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and state Sen. Michelle Hinchey.
“We’re hoping that we can get it done this session and with a constitutional referendum in two to three years,” said Assemblywoman Solages. “So, we’d have to do it this term. Then do it next term it would be on the ballot.”
“You cannot survive without eating, and we often demonize or challenge folks who don’t have access to food when we should be making sure that we do,” said Hinchey.
Hinchey explains how this amendment could help New York farmers.
“Our farms are a $6 billion industry across New York. If we can make sure, we’re expanding markets for our farmers and opening more markets and locally in the state again we keep those tax dollars circular and we build a robust economy that puts our small family businesses first while also putting the needs of New Yorkers first,” said Sen. Hinchey.
Both Hinchey and Solages believe this amendment can be a reality especially after the state codified the right to clean air and environmental rights in 2022.