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 Helen Rosenthal.
Name: Helen Rosenthal [D-NY]
Political title: New York City Council Member, District 6; Chair of the Committee on Contracts, which has jurisdiction over New York City’s procurement policies and procedures.
Rosenthal also serves on the Council’s 12-member Budget Negotiating Team and the following committees: Finance; Housing and Buildings; Education; Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and Intergroup Relations; Oversight and Investigations, and Rules.
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Educational Bio: Michigan State University (BA), Yale School of Public Health (MPH)
What she cares about: Preserving affordable housing, empowering women, and making government work for its residents
What she’s done: Working with the Mayor to implement “Meatless Mondays” as a way to encourage New Yorkers to eat more plant-based meals in order to protect the environment and public health. She has already introduced a Council resolution calling for the same.
Recent food-related policies she’s supported: Together with Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, sponsors the Fresh Foods for Seniors Program, which provides regionally grown, seasonal vegetables and fruits at a discounted price to local seniors.
Council Member Rosenthal also helps to support the West Side Coalition Against Hunger’s mission to treat people with dignity by funding their mobile food pantry via Participatory Budgeting, as well as GrowNYC’s delivery of fresh food to New Yorkers living in supportive housing.
Official website: https://helenrosenthal.com
City Council website: https://council.nyc.gov/helen-rosenthal/
Resolution for Meatless Mondays: https://helenrosenthal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2015.01.22-Meatless-Monday-Press-Release.pdf
Fresh Food for Seniors: https://www.coreyjohnson.nyc/food-bag-program/
