Closing the Gap: Food Access and Affordability in NYC Legislative Breakfast and Panel - Home

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Closing the Gap: Food Access and Affordability in NYC Legislative Breakfast and Panel

About the Event

This legislative breakfast and panel explores how policy and legislation are shaping equitable food access in New York City. Experts will discuss strategies to address food insecurity, strengthen local food systems, and expand access to affordable, culturally relevant food. The conversation will highlight policy and legislative tools, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative solutions to build a more resilient and inclusive food landscape.

Attend the Event

Thursday, June 4, 2026

Thursday, June 4, 2026

9:00 am - 11:00 am

9:00 am - 11:00 am

New York Law School

185 West Broadway

New York, NY 10013

New York Law School

185 West Broadway

New York, NY 10013

Dress Attire: 

Additional Information: 

Promo Image

Agenda

9 AM EDT

30 MINS
9 AM EDT 30 MINS

Registration, Breakfast, Networking

9:30 AM EDT

5 MINS
9:30 AM EDT 5 MINS

Welcoming Remarks by Emcee

Jeff	Coltin
Jeff Coltin
Editor in Chief
City & State NY
Jeff	Coltin
Jeff Coltin
Editor in Chief
City & State NY
Jeff	Coltin
Jeff Coltin
Editor in Chief
City & State NY

9:35 AM EDT

15 MINS
9:35 AM EDT 15 MINS

Keynote Speaker

Julie Menin
Julie Menin
Council Member
New York City
Julie Menin
Julie Menin
Council Member
New York City
Julie Menin
Julie Menin
Council Member
New York City

9:50 AM EDT

10 MINS
9:50 AM EDT 10 MINS

Panel Introduction

Emily Marcus
Emily Marcus
Senior Vice President, Strategic Investments Group
New York City Economic Development Corporation

An intro to the Mayor’s Municipal Grocery stores programs with an explanation of their framework and updates to address food access and affordability.

Emily Marcus
Emily Marcus
Senior Vice President, Strategic Investments Group
New York City Economic Development Corporation

An intro to the Mayor’s Municipal Grocery stores programs with an explanation of their framework and updates to address food access and affordability.

An intro to the Mayor’s Municipal Grocery stores programs with an explanation of their framework and updates to address food access and affordability.

Emily Marcus
Emily Marcus
Senior Vice President, Strategic Investments Group
New York City Economic Development Corporation

An intro to the Mayor’s Municipal Grocery stores programs with an explanation of their framework and updates to address food access and affordability.

10 AM EDT

1 HR
10 AM EDT 1 HR

Panel

Council Member Darlene Mealy
Council Member Darlene Mealy
Chair
Subcommittee on Senior Centers and Food Security
Leslie Gordon
Leslie Gordon
President and CEO
Food Bank For NYC
Thomas McNeil
Thomas McNeil
Government Affairs Senior Manager
Instacart
Taina Rodriguez
Taina Rodriguez
Associate Director
Food and Dignity Programs at Part of the Solution (POTS)
Mark Chatarpal
Mark Chatarpal
Executive Director
NYC Food Policy Center, Hunter School of Health Professions
Council Member Darlene Mealy
Council Member Darlene Mealy
Chair
Subcommittee on Senior Centers and Food Security
Leslie Gordon
Leslie Gordon
President and CEO
Food Bank For NYC
Thomas McNeil
Thomas McNeil
Government Affairs Senior Manager
Instacart
Taina Rodriguez
Taina Rodriguez
Associate Director
Food and Dignity Programs at Part of the Solution (POTS)
Mark Chatarpal
Mark Chatarpal
Executive Director
NYC Food Policy Center, Hunter School of Health Professions
Council Member Darlene Mealy
Leslie Gordon
+3
3 more speakers
Council Member Darlene Mealy
Council Member Darlene Mealy
Chair
Subcommittee on Senior Centers and Food Security
Leslie Gordon
Leslie Gordon
President and CEO
Food Bank For NYC
Thomas McNeil
Thomas McNeil
Government Affairs Senior Manager
Instacart
Taina Rodriguez
Taina Rodriguez
Associate Director
Food and Dignity Programs at Part of the Solution (POTS)
Mark Chatarpal
Mark Chatarpal
Executive Director
NYC Food Policy Center, Hunter School of Health Professions
Council Member Darlene Mealy
Leslie Gordon
+3
3 more speakers

11 AM EDT

10 MINS
11 AM EDT 10 MINS

Closing Remarks

Underwriters

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