( ENSPIRE Perspective ) Op-Ed By Minister Naquawn Hallback, CEO of Easy Living Shelter Inc.
Minster Naquawn Hallback is the CEO of Easy Living Shelter Inc., a non-profit organization based in the Bronx, NY, that empowers youth and provides support services. In the Bronx and across New York, the fight against hunger is not theoretical — it is deeply personal. Every week, through Easy Living Shelter, we work with schools, churches, and food pantries to get fresh produce into the hands of families who need it most. For many of the young people and families we serve, these deliveries are not a convenience — they are a lifeline.
That’s why I am deeply concerned about the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act currently under consideration in Albany. Like many New Yorkers, I believe in protecting our environment. We all want cleaner streets, less waste, and a more sustainable future. But this legislation, as written, risks making it harder — not easier — for organizations like mine to provide fresh, healthy food to underserved communities.
Fresh produce depends on packaging more than many people realize. Packaging is what keeps fruits and vegetables safe during transport, extends shelf life, and prevents spoilage before food reaches a pantry or a family’s table. Without reliable and affordable packaging, more food goes to waste before it can do any good…