For most of my career, I've worked to make sure New Yorkers have enough to eat. What I've learned along the way is that food insecurity doesn't stop at an empty plate. It shapes health outcomes, including who gets diagnosed early enough to survive cancer, and who doesn't.
I'm Andrés Vives, CEO of Hunger Solutions New York, a statewide organization dedicated to alleviating hunger for all New Yorkers. I lead our work to maximize participation in federal nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, School Breakfast, CACFP, Summer Food Service and Summer EBT. Under our team's direction, Hunger Solutions New York co-led the Healthy School Meals for All New York Kids coalition, securing a historic $340 million investment for universal free school meals across the state. We've also helped sustain New York's network of SNAP navigators and grown state investment in SNAP outreach in high-need communities.
Through our Nutrition Outreach and Education Program, we've helped nearly 145,000 families enroll in SNAP over five years, and our statewide WIC outreach contributed to a 28% increase in participation, reaching nearly 100,000 additional infants, young children and pregnant and postpartum people.
The same communities we serve through anti-hunger work are often hit hardest by health disparities, including cancer. Access to nutritious food, preventive care and early screening are not separate issues; they're connected, and they disproportionately affect people in underserved communities. As a Black man, I know firsthand that Black men face higher rates of colorectal and prostate cancer, and too often later diagnoses. Promoting early detection in our communities is not just a health issue. It's a matter of equity, and it's personal.
That's why I'm walking in Rock Your Style this year. My work has always been about making sure people have access to what they need to thrive: food, resources and now, awareness. Every dollar raised helps more families in underserved communities get the early detection and care that saves lives.
Thank you for supporting this cause and this community.
