Part of the ongoing Politicians Making a Food Difference series
The Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center is excited to recognize the politicians who are working to make NYC a model for smart, fair food policy. This week we honor the work of City Council Member Antonio Reynoso.
Name: Antonio Reynoso [D-NY]
Political title: New York City Council Member, District 34; Chair of the Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, which has jurisdiction over New York City’s Business Integrity Commission and the Department of Sanitation
Hometown: Los Sures section of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York
Educational Bio: LeMoyne College
What he cares about: Education, environmental justice, housing, land use, sanitation and waste management, transportation
What he’s done: In an effort to combat food waste, sponsored a bill that would impose stricter regulations on the process of confiscating food from vendors who violate city law, ensuring edible food does not end up in landfills and helping New York City to reach its goal of producing zero waste by 2030.
Recent food-related policies he’s supported: Council Member Espinal’s bill requiring the city to maintain a web portal to facilitate food donations.
City Council website: https://council.nyc.gov/district-34/
Food waste bill: https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2939935&GUID=E1BFEA1E-C788-40A3-B5DD-6CAAE8C85F13&Options=&Search=
Craigslist for food pantries: https://legistar.council.nyc.gov/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=2984602&GUID=5268FF91-55DD-4407-BF0A-53B7E330EF3E&Options=&Search=