“The Lower Eastside Girls Club has been a haven for girls and gender-expansive youth for over 25 years. We know our New York families’ challenges, from inadequate housing to food insecurity. We are very proud to have expanded our mission through our new Center for Wellbeing & Happiness, where we can now serve our Girls Club members’ families and the broader LES community. The Center for Wellbeing & Happiness provides daily meals through our food pantry. As an organization dedicated to running a food pantry, we see an increased need for access to healthy produce and meals serving the entire family. Governor Hochul’s investment in food assistance recognizes this need and enables families to have the power to supplement their meals, especially as food costs continue to rise. Addressing food insecurity is the first step in ensuring our families have their basic needs met, like healthy food and housing. Our experience has shown us that children thrive when families have the resources they need. The proposed expansion is not merely a policy enhancement- it is an investment in human potential and a statement that every child matters.”

– LES Girls Club Chief Program Officer Michelle Grier