Working for You Rep. Torres’s Weekly Brief | Dear Friends and Neighbors, After weeks of uncertainty and hardship for millions of Americans, the federal shutdown has finally come to an end. While I welcome the reopening of our government, I could not in good conscience support the deal that brought us here. I voted no because the agreement failed to include protections for the Affordable Care Act, a cornerstone of our nation’s health care system that millions rely on for affordable and lifesaving coverage. It also failed to safeguard critical nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, leaving vulnerable families at risk in the event of any future shutdown. The shutdown caused real pain for working families, seniors, and small businesses, and its ripple effects will be felt long after the government reopens. We must do better to protect both our economy and the health and well-being of the American people. | I joined Rev. John and Pastor Felicia Udo-Okon at Word of Life International for a food distribution feeding over 500 families. With the government shutdown straining food pantries and delaying SNAP benefits, community efforts like this matter more than ever. | 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 -
MMCC Food Pantry and Mobile Pantry Program -
3450 DeKalb Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466 -
718-882-4000 | Food Pantry - Mosholu Montefiore Community Center -
Open on the 2nd and 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10am-12pm -
Holiday Distribution Dates:
Wednesdays, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec 3, 10, 17
Tuesdays, Dec 23, 30 -
NYS ID required -
Concourse House – Food Distribution Center Share Your Story New Yorkers are feeling the real-world effects of the government shutdown. If your Affordable Care Act premiums have gone up or you’re facing other hardships, I want to hear from you. Your experiences help guide my work and allow my office to connect you with available resources. Please share your story via this link. D.C. Updates I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 6030, which would include Puerto Rico in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This legislation will provide vital data to better understand substance use patterns in Puerto Rico and ensure communities there receive the tailored support they need. I am proud to cosponsor the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 (H.R. 5950), which would ensure that nutrition assistance programs like SNAP and WIC continue without interruption in the event of a government shutdown. This bill would protect benefits for millions of families, women, infants, and children if full USDA funding is delayed. | Constituent of the Week: Allison Griffith Community Organization of the Week: Radcliff Magenta Block Association This week, I want to honor the incredible dedication of community leader Allison Griffith and the Radcliff Magenta Block Association, whose tireless work has transformed their Bronx neighborhood. Over 20 years ago, Lillian McDuffie and Yvonne Long fought to address a serious health hazard, as raw sewage would back up into homes whenever it rained, putting children and residents at risk. After more than a year of persistent advocacy, their efforts led to the reconstruction of the sewer system, creating a safer environment for everyone. Their commitment didn’t stop there; they also started a block party to bring neighbors together and foster connection in the community. Today, Allison Griffith continues this tradition as chairperson of the Block Association, keeping the neighborhood united and engaged year after year. I’ve loved attending the block party since I began representing this community: it’s always a day full of fun and shared joy, a true reminder that real change begins when neighbors look out for one another. Nominate a Local Leader or Organization for Our Newsletter Spotlight Do you know a neighbor, local leader, or organization making a positive difference in our community? We’d love to feature them in our weekly newsletter. Use the following link to submit a nomination: https://ritchietorres.house.gov/feature-nomination. | As we move forward, my focus remains on protecting the health and financial well-being of the people I represent. The shutdown may be over, but its devastating effects are still being felt, from delayed paychecks and disrupted services to the ripple effects on families, small businesses, and local economies. Congress must learn from this needless crisis and act with urgency to strengthen, not weaken, access to affordable care and essential nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, which must be protected from future shutdown disruptions. I will continue fighting to preserve the Affordable Care Act, safeguard SNAP, and ensure that no community is left behind in the recovery ahead. | 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! | |
