Despite Mayor Bloomberg's implication to the contrary, New Yorkers face food insecurity and hunger with alarming frequency.

The mayor’s recent celebration of low welfare rolls, charged critics, masked a reported employment level among previous welfare recipients of only 17 percent.

One day after indicating the city would accept a waiver to enable able-bodied adults without dependents to continue to receive food stamps benefits as they look for jobs, the mayor reversed his decision. Advocates say his ultimate decision leaves some individuals at greater risk for hunger.

The speaker announced a plan to halve hunger in the city; anti-hunger advocates expressed great enthusiasm.