Health disparities in New York City are influenced by factors including structural racism, socioeconomic status and other social determinants of health. Many of those most at risk are low-income New Yorkers living in food deserts that lack access to affordable, nutritious and culturally relevant foods. This can lead to poor dietary choices and negative health outcomes. Food insecurity in New York City has seen significant changes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. And although the situation improved briefly at the peak of the crisis with emergency food distribution, stimulus checks and enhanced SNAP benefits, food insecurity has since heightened, with nearly 1.2 million NYC residents struggling to feed their families. Addressing food insecurity requires a multifaceted approach including community engagement, supportive policies and local initiatives.
The NYU Food Environment and Policy Research Coalition, in partnership with Food & Society at the Aspen Institute, recently launched Open Access NYC – a free portal that aims to equip food entrepreneurs, particularly BIPOC business owners, with the tools needed to build more equitable and resilient urban food systems, in an effort to improve health disparities. Some of the resources offered include how to access capital, permitting and licensing, and trainings for sustainable growth. After successfully launching in Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Baltimore, we are thrilled to bring the Open Access portal to NYC.
Research conducted by the NYU Food Environment and Policy Research Coalition is key to making this partnership a success. Our research provides insights and data that inform policy and support initiatives that drive food systems change. Entrepreneurs can leverage the portal to develop and scale food businesses that will improve food access. This portal will also help create economic opportunities and jobs that ultimately improve residents' ability to purchase healthy and culturally relevant food.
The portal launch is just the beginning of the efforts we must maintain to promote the success of Open Access NYC. If any students are interested in collaborating on this work, we encourage you to contact Zora Hall at zgh216@nyu.edu.
Marie Bragg, PhD
Adjunct Professor of Public Health Nutrition, NYU GPH; Assistant Professor, NYU Grossman School of Medicine; Director, NYU Food Environment and Policy Research Coalition