The food crisis in New York has intensified in recent years, and community organizations such as Mixteca, which provide food aid to thousands of Latin families in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, face serious challenges due to federal cuts. These cuts have not only limited the amount of food available, but have also jeopardized the sustainability of the programs that depend on these funds. Lorena Kouroisma, Executive Director of Mixteca, exposes the problems facing her organization to continue providing support to the most vulnerable communities.
“One of the biggest challenges, for example, is that we have a grain (subsidy) of the city. Yes, but that grain of the city assigned it to us in July, but do not pay until December, but two years later,” Lorena explains, referring to the municipal funds that the organization receives to supply its food banks. Although money for these programs is intended to help families in need, the city bureaucratic process slows down and leaves organizations in a constant struggle to maintain their operational services.
Photo courtesy of Lorena Kouroismas
The situation is even more difficult when federal cuts are added. “The federal cuts have impacted us a lot, but they will continue impacting us because we already have it, let’s say, covered until June 30, but in July the situation will change a lot,” says Lorena. These cuts affect not only the amount of foods they receive, but also the variety of products they can offer to needy families.
Despite the economic and bureaucratic difficulties, Mixteca has managed to maintain its active programs thanks to the support of the community and the solidarity of many volunteers. Lorena points out that one of the fundamental principles of the organization is to ensure that food is fresh and quality. “What people are always going to take are fresh fruits and vegetables,” he explains.
The products that are distributed through Mixteca vary depending on the time of the year, which allows the organization to offer a variety that respects both the stations of the year and the food needs of the families. “Depending on the time of the year we have different types of food. For example, in the winter we have apples, pears, sweet potatoes, many stretches, grains, carrots, onions and potatoes,” Lorena mentions, highlighting that the organization makes an effort to obtain local products, not only to support the local economy, but also to reduce the environmental impact of long -distance food transport.
Photo courtesy of Lorena Kouroismas
Mixteca also ensures fresh seasonal products in their deliveries. During the summer months, the variety of foods available increases considerably. “When it’s summer, there are more things, more fresh products,” says Lorena. This diversity allows families to receive a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and other essential products such as grains and dairy. However, the lack of sufficient funds has complicated the organization’s ability to guarantee the quantity and quality of long -term food.
Mixteca food aid not only comes through the distribution of fresh foods, but also through the delivery of products donated by local farmers, companies and other community actors. “What they bring us to donate, that sometimes there are extra things, but what people are always going to take are fresh fruits and vegetables,” adds Lorena. Despite the shortage of resources, the organization continues to receive support from farmers and other suppliers that contribute additional products such as chamomile and other non -perishable foods, ensuring that the most needy families receive their best.
Photo courtesy of Lorena Kouroismas
The impact of the organization is evident in the lives of people like Abel Monge, a beneficiary of Mixteca. Abel, 49 and originally from Mexico, has been receiving from the organization for more than a year. “I am very grateful since they do not charge you,” says Abel, who also attends English classes offered by the organization. These classes are a valuable tool for many immigrants who seek to improve their work skills and opportunities. “English classes are higher,” says Abel, who is also grateful for the possibility of improving his personal situation.
Photo of Abel Monge
Abel is not the only one who has found invaluable support in Mixteca. His two friends, also beneficiaries of food banks, agree that the organization has given them an important stability in their lives. “They have two children, do not work, but they are happy with the help they receive,” Abel mentions about their friends, who also benefit from the services offered by Mixteca.
Photo courtesy of Lorena Kouroismas
Despite economic difficulties and continuous challenges, Abel supports the organization with donations when it has the possibility. “I help with $ 100 or $ 200 when I can,” he says. This type of community support is essential for the organization to move forward and serve more families.
Lorena, on the other hand, highlights the importance of solidarity and joint work to overcome the obstacles facing Mixteca. “We need the community to understand that this is everyone’s problem and that it is circumstantial who is where,” Lorena emphasizes, calling the New Yorkers and the government to get involved in the fight against food insecurity and support organizations that are in the front line to relieve the difficulties of the most vulnerable families.
Photo courtesy of Lorena Kouroismas
Federal cuts and payment delays continue to threaten the stability of organizations such as Mixteca, which depend on continuous financing to sustain their operations. However, the organization continues to work hard to ensure that families that need it most receive fresh, healthy and nutritious foods. With the help of the community and a committed team of volunteers, Mixteca continues to be a lighthouse of hope for immigrants and Latin families in Sunset Park.
