CUNY Urban Food Policy Forum – Expanding Food Access: Insights from the Groceries to Go Program

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City’s food programs have expanded to better meet the needs of those facing food access challenges. Over the past year, CUNY SPH and the CUNY Urban Food Policy Institute conducted research in partnership with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on the Groceries to Go (G2G) program. G2G offers participants, who are at risk of food insecurity and living with chronic health conditions, monthly credits to purchase groceries online. The research included in-depth interviews and surveys to gain a deeper understanding of the participants’ experiences with G2G, informing approaches to food access and nutrition to support low-income households. The panel will provide an overview of the program, and jointly present insights from recent program assessments including the results from the collaborative study. It will conclude with a discussion about different policy approaches to expanding food access in NYC.