On Monday, October 27th, LSA CEO Jonah Gensler joined Margarita Ortega at an important event with Governor Kathy Hochul to speak out about the growing challenges families are facing as federal benefit cuts loom.

Margarita receives both WIC and SNAP to help feed herself, her husband, and her two young children, six years and two months old. Eleni, her youngest, is a beautiful little girl, but potential cuts to benefits have Margarita worried. She’s currently on maternity leave from her job at a local bakery, and even there, the impact of SNAP cuts is felt. The bakery used to serve many customers who relied on SNAP. Changes in regulations have made it harder for them to do so, conditions which affect Margarita’s work as well. These are not easy times

Margarita took the stage alongside Governor Hochul and a combination of leaders and community members directly affected by the uncertainty ahead. Her story is one of courage and resilience, and it reflects what we’re seeing every day at LSA.

Just last week, our food pantry saw 400 families, with food running out towards the end of the line. These lines at our food pantry grow longer and longer by the week. Our family support staff enrolled over 500 people in SNAP this past year. We know the food we provide alone is not enough. Families depend on these benefits to make ends meet.

We’re grateful to everyone who partners with us to build a more resilient East Harlem. Families come to LSA because they know they can trust us, and in turn, we trust our community of supporters to stand with us now, in this moment of need.