The People's Money (2022-2023)

What problem would you like to solve?

Food is getting more expensive pretty much anywhere you can get it. We work more hours we've ever worked before yet are able to afford fewer healthy meals, and have less time to eat them!

We deserve to eat healthy food together with our community without breaking the bank. While some (but not all) may be able to scrape together enough to buy ingredients to make at home, eating food in a community setting is getting more and more difficult. It's not just more expensive than ever before, but in some cases isn't an option!

Why is it important to solve? Why is it relevant for the community?

Everybody's gotta eat! But beyond that, eating a nutritious meal together in a community setting is healthy not only for your body but for the the community, as neighbors can chat and catch up over an affordable meal.

Some of us might see each other every day, on the way to the subway or on line at the supermarket. An affordable meal in a pleasant environment could bring together people who live on the same block but who might otherwise never chat, opening doors for new opportunities to strengthen local connections, strengthening the community.

What idea do you have to address the problem?

Publicly funded canteens used to exist in this city. Large halls featured long tables where everyone from the neighborhood would gather to eat a prepared meal for a very low price (under 5 modern dollars). Live music meant that the canteen was worth visiting.

While something at this scale is an admirable goal, starting small could still have a massive impact. The city paying for an event space, local music, and offering locally-made food at an affordable, heavily-discounted price would allow families and locals in the neighborhood to have an affordable meal out of the house. Beyond that, it would create a space where a community could get together in a comfortable space where there is no pressure to spend lots of money. Unlike a restaurant, a canteen is designed to be a local gathering space where local issues can be discussed over a healthy meal.

Who would that help?

The significant portion of New Yorkers who struggle to afford food would obviously benefit from a subsidized meal without the optics of a food bank. However, the local gathering aspect of a canteen ensures its benefits reach far beyond food insecurity.

A subsided meal out of the house can allow families who otherwise may not be able to eat out the ability to do so. A safe community space in the evening is a boon to those who perhaps feel unsafe going out at night. Large tables facilitate conversation between New Yorkers who may have more in common than they think. These conversations can result in improvements to the neighborhood as local ties are established. Those looking for community in a city that has millions of people but can sometimes feel isolating will be made to feel welcome in a space where everyone is given something to drink, something to eat, and company.