Excerpt:
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) have introduced legislation that would require the Secretary of Agriculture to buy Kosher and Halal foods for a program that distributes this food to the poor and homeless.
Gillibrand said this change, as well as changes to the way these foods are labeled, are needed to ensure Jewish and Muslim families in need can receive food prepared according to their dietary laws.
"With food insecurity in New York reaching disturbing, historic highs and food banks facing extreme shortages of kosher meals, many families are at risk of hunger and malnutrition," Gillibrand said. "We must take steps to help the neediest observant families and children get access to nutritious food during these difficult times."