In the Bronx and Beyond This Week’s Update | Dear Friends and Neighbors, Washington remains in gridlock as the federal government shutdown continues, and its impact is being felt across the country. Federal workers are missing paychecks, small businesses are losing access to loans, and families are seeing disruptions in critical programs like food assistance and housing aid. The American people deserve a functioning government, not political brinkmanship. I’m continuing to fight for a bipartisan solution that reopens the government and protects the essential services our communities rely on. District Events | I was grateful to visit New Tabernacle Baptist Church and celebrate Rev. Dr. Hiram Ratliff’s and Deacon Maria Antoinette Ratliff’s fourteen-year service to the West Farms community and beyond. Their leadership and faith continue to strengthen our community. | I was honored to join the Barauda Awards, organized by Casa Yurumein in the Bronx, celebrating women of Garifuna descent for their outstanding service, leadership, and cultural contributions. | I visited seniors at the Riverdale Y to discuss how the federal shutdown is affecting their daily lives. With more people relying on senior centers for meals, it’s clear the shutdown is hitting our most vulnerable neighbors hardest. | I visited the RAIN Senior Center on Boston Road to talk with seniors about the shutdown’s impact. Many are feeling the strain as vital programs and services they depend on hang in the balance. D.C. Updates I co-sponsored H.Res. 856, which calls on the Trump Administration to use its existing authority and contingency funds to ensure the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains fully funded through November 2025. Access to food is a basic necessity, and no family should face hunger because of government delays or inaction. A federal judge confirmed that the Trump Administration has always had the money and authority to fund SNAP in November. Instead, the Administration chose to cut benefits, leaving 42 million Americans with just 65% of their usual food assistance. Now, rather than comply with the court order, it is fighting against feeding those families. This crisis is of its own making, and it’s only getting worse. Food Resources -
POTS (Part of the Solution) -
2450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10458 -
(718) 220-4892 | www.potsbronx.org -
Open Mon–Sat, 8–11 AM. Register in person. -
New York Common Pantry -
1290 Hoe Ave, Bronx, NY 10459 -
(917) 720-9700 | www.nycommonpantry.org -
Open Tues–Sat, 9 AM–4 PM. Photo ID and proof of address required. -
BronxWorks – Twin Parks West -
355 E 183rd St, Bronx, NY 10456 -
(646) 393-4000 | www.bronxworks.org -
Open Thursdays, 10 AM–4 PM -
Morrisania Revitalization Corporation -
579 E 165th St, Bronx, NY 10465 -
(718) 589-7858 | www.mrcbx.org -
Open Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30 AM–1:30 PM -
Kingsbridge Heights Community Center -
3101 Kingsbridge Terrace, Bronx, NY 10463 -
(718) 884-0700 ext. 100 | www.khcc-nyc.org -
Open Tues & Thurs, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM -
City Harvest Mobile Markets -
Locations: 595 Trinity Ave & 286 E 156th St, Bronx, NY -
www.cityharvest.org -
Open 2nd Sat & 4th Wed each month, 9:30–11:30 AM. Must be Bronx resident. -
Nazareth Housing – Louise’s Pantry -
Concourse House – Food Distribution Center -
2751 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10468 -
(718) 584-4400 | www.concoursehouse.org -
Open 24 hours on Thursdays and Fridays | Constituent of the Week: Ursula Cruz-Greene This week, we celebrate Ursula Cruz-Greene, a dedicated public servant and pillar of the Bronx community. Born in Lumberton, North Carolina, Ursula moved to New York and quickly made her mark, joining Bronx Community Board 12 in 1995 after graduating as valedictorian from Global Business Institute. She earned her bachelor’s degree Magna Cum Laude from Monroe College in 2000 and has spent nearly three decades supporting residents, advocating for seniors, and ensuring government works for the people it serves. Her compassion, professionalism, and leadership are felt throughout our district, and we thank her for her extraordinary service to the Bronx community. | In this difficult moment, my focus remains on serving the Bronx and ensuring that no one is left behind. My office is here to help anyone affected by the shutdown access the support and resources they need. Together, we’ll keep pushing for a government that works for the people it represents. | Ritchie Torres Member of Congress | Washington, D.C. 1414 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4361 Fax: (202) 225-6001 | Bronx 540 E Fordham Rd, Unit 2A Bronx, NY 10458 Phone: (718) 503-9610 Fax: (718) 620-0658 | Sign up for my newsletter! | |
