- CSCS is working to allow senior centers to
provide meals at alternative sites around the community such as churches,
synagogues, NYCHA sites, NORCs and other places where groups of seniors
meet. There would be an increase in the number of congregate meals provided
and seniors receiving nutritious meals. It is also a valuable outreach tool
that would help seniors connect with the local senior center.
- NYC health regulations require there be an
individual at the alternative site with a food handler’s license This could
be an unnecessary barrier towards providing meals at a variety of community
sites. Each meal would be individually packaged as a home-delivered meal is.
The meals would be prepared under the supervision of staff with a food
handler’s license in the senior center as is done now.
CSCS is working with City Council for
an exemption to NYC Department of Health food handler’s licensing regulations
to allow for this expansion of the congregate meal program.
What you can do:
- Contact your Councilmember(s) and ask them
to become a co-sponsor of Intro 615, introduced by Councilman James Vacca
(Bronx), Chair, Subcommittee on Senior Centers. We’ve attached Intro 615 and
a form to be used by the Councilmembers to sign on. Either invite them to
the senior center or meet with them in their office.
- It would be helpful to show a sample
of a pre-wrapped meal for the Councilmember to see that it will be hot,
sanitary and safe. It’s the same pre-wrapped meal a home-delivered meal
recipient gets.
- Council Members Vacca, Brewer, Dickens,
Gennaro, Gentile, Gerson, Mealy, Stewart and Weprin have already signed on.
It is important to thank them. You could invite them to your center to thank
them.
The more Councilmembers that become
co-sponsors, the more likely this bill will be passed. CSCS and our members
can work together to see this important legislation passed. The winner will be
seniors around the city who will receive nutritious meals.
If you have any questions, please contact
Bobbie Sackman, (212) 398-6565, x226 or bsackman@cscs-ny.org
CSCS – THE POWER OF AGING!
Int. No. 615
By Council Member Vacca
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in
relation to exempting certain religious, fraternal or charitable organizations
from food handler’s licensing requirements contained in the health code of the
City of New York.
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Intent.
Pursuant to the health code of the City of New York, religious, fraternal and
charitable organizations, including senior centers and senior clubs that do
not engage in food preparation, must have someone on staff who has obtained a
food handler’s license. Such organizations enter into agreements to receive
hot meals from other organizations that already have food handler’s licenses
and food preparation capabilities. This measure would allow organizations that
do not engage in food preparation, to be exempt from requirements mandating
the procurement of a food handler’s license. The current health code
requirements represent an unnecessary obstacle in providing hot and nutritious
meals to some of New York City’s neediest population. The City Council finds
that the granting of an exemption from the food handler’s license requirements
in such limited circumstances will alleviate an unnecessary burden that many
organizations face and will expand the ability of organizations to provide
nutritious meals that ultimately improve the health and wellness of New York
City’s senior population.
§2. Chapter 1 of title 17 of the
administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section
17-193 to read as follows:
§17-193. Food Handler’s License
Exemption. Any establishment operated by religious, fraternal or charitable
organizations, that is open to the public and provides prepared food to the
needy free of charge, and does not engage in the actual preparation of food,
shall not be subject to any requirements regarding the procurement of a food
handler’s license contained in section 81.15 of the health code of the city of
New York or any successor provision.
§3. This local law shall take effect thirty days after its enactment into law.
Legislation Sign On Sheet
To: William Martin, Legislative
Documents
Fax: (212) 788-9296
From: Council Member ___________________________
Int. 615
By Council Members Vacca, Brewer, Dickens, Gennaro, Gentile, Gerson, Mealy,
Stewart and Weprin
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in
relation to exempting certain religious, fraternal or charitable organizations
from food handler’s licensing requirements contained in the health code of the
City of New York.
Please add my name
______________________________________________to this legislation.
Please print name here
Signature:_____________________________
Date: _________________________________
