Public Advocate's Corner

A Job Well Done!

Congratulations to the South Shore All-Stars of Staten Island for their magnificent run in the Little League World Series. Although the All-Stars’ run ended yesterday, the entire city and state of New York is proud of their efforts and success.

As a softball player and lifelong athlete myself, I am heartened to see players from our very own Staten Island gain international recognition and praise. The members of the South Shore All-Stars serve as an inspiration to all of our nation’s youth.

 

Save New York City's Food Pantries!

With rising unemployment and higher costs of living across New York City, food pantries have experienced increased demand. In some cases, such as at Richmond Senior Services in Staten Island, the influx of families has resulted in a shortage of food and resources. According to Beverly Neuhaus, Executive Director of the center, Richmond Senior Services serves 25 percent more people than it did in November 2008. 

Today, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum visited the Staten Island food pantry, where she called on the city to increase funding for emergency food programs and support policies - like improving access to food stamps - to fight hunger in New York City. She was joined by Joel Berg, Executive Director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger (NYCCAH). Gotbaum said: "As the number of unemployed in New York City contiunues to rise, the city should not turn its back on hungry New Yorkers. Making it easier for them to access food stamps could eliminate some of the demand for pantries. This is a wake up call."

Read Full Release

Costco to Accept Food Stamps at Staten Island Location

Last month, Costco announced that it would begin accepting food stamps at two of its New York City stores—and pledged to extend the program to a new store planned for East Harlem. The announcement came after entreaties from myself, Council Member Eric Gioia and Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr. 

Because the news accounts of this decision made no mention of the Costco store in Staten Island, I sent a letter to Costco CEO James D. Sinegal to verify whether he had also decided to introduce the trial program at that location.

I’m pleased to report that, in a prompt response to my inquiry, Costco has informed me that it plans “to include the Staten Island Costco warehouse in our ‘food stamp’ acceptance test when it begins at Queens and Brooklyn later this year.” This is great news for residents eligible for food stamps, and it could lessen the burden of this economic crisis. Well done, Costco.

Future Of Dental Clinics A Growing Concern (NY1 Feature)

NY1 VIDEO:

With three Island dental clinics slated to close by the end of the year, some say the lack of dental care in the borough has reached a crisis level.

Future Of Dental Clinics A Growing Concern

By: Bree Driscoll

 

Watch the video here.

Or read the Public Advocate's report, Touching a Nerve: How Closing the City's Oral Health Program Reduces Access to Dental Care for New York City Children.