Food Bank For NYC Pilots Emerging Youth Leaders Advocacy Council

Group Aims to Elevate Young Adult Voices in the Fight Against Food Insecurity

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Food Bank For NYC, the city's largest hunger relief organization, is piloting the Emerging Youth Leaders Advocacy Council (ELAC), a new program that places college students at the center of the fight against food insecurity. The inaugural cohort features five students from across the five boroughs who will move between advocacy training, policy coursework, organizing sessions, and weekly volunteer shifts at local food pantries to connect the policy landscape to the on-the-ground reality of hunger in New York City.

Why it matters

Food insecurity disproportionately affects college students and young people, yet their perspectives are often missing from policy discussions. ELAC not only addresses this gap but reflects Food Bank For NYC's strategic commitment to educating, elevating and inspiring the next generation of advocates.

The details

During the five-month program, ELAC participants will connect the policy landscape to the on-the-ground reality of hunger in New York City. The program culminates in May with each ELAC member designing and leading a student-driven advocacy project focused on expanding food access, with the aim of creating tangible change through influencing campus policies, raising awareness, or advancing state and city level solutions.

  • The Emerging Youth Leaders Advocacy Council (ELAC) was launched in March 2026.
  • The inaugural ELAC cohort will complete the five-month program in May 2026.

The players

Food Bank For NYC

The city's largest hunger relief organization, piloting the Emerging Youth Leaders Advocacy Council (ELAC).

Aaliyah Bartholomew

A member of the inaugural ELAC cohort, studying Biology at Medgar Evers College.

Akanksha Mahanti

A member of the inaugural ELAC cohort, studying Strategic Design and Management at Parsons School of Design.

Brandy Moonasar

A member of the inaugural ELAC cohort, studying Political Science at Brooklyn College.

Malaika Walter

A member of the inaugural ELAC cohort, studying Peace and Justice Studies at Pace University.

Niav Lorenzo

A member of the inaugural ELAC cohort, studying Strategic Design and Management at Parsons School of Design.

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What they’re saying

“Access to nutritious food is not a luxury. It is the foundation for health, dignity, and the ability to thrive. We are here to make sure student experiences help shape real solutions.”

— Aaliyah Bartholomew, ELAC member (prnewswire.com)

“This group of leaders brings a deep understanding of food insecurity and the power to rewrite the solutions. ELAC is central to our work to build the next generation of advocates, and we're proud to offer these young adults not just a seat at the table, but the mentorship, guidance, and resources to create impact.”

— Leslie Gordon, President and CEO at Food Bank For NYC (prnewswire.com)

What’s next

The inaugural ELAC cohort will complete the five-month program in May 2026, with each member designing and leading a student-driven advocacy project focused on expanding food access.

The takeaway

By placing college students at the center of the fight against food insecurity, the Emerging Youth Leaders Advocacy Council (ELAC) reflects Food Bank For NYC's commitment to educating, elevating and inspiring the next generation of advocates to address this critical issue.