SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. July 22, 2010 - Underscoring New York State United Teachers' commitment to social justice, 21 teacher union locals from throughout the state donated hundreds of pounds of food to the Franklin Community Center in Saratoga Springs. The food drive was held in conjunction with an annual conference the educators attended in the Spa City.
"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 10 percent of New York households are at risk of hunger, and about 2.6 million people currently live below the poverty level," said NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer Lee Cutler. "As our state's fiscal crisis continues, that number can only be expected to worsen."
NYSUT unions statewide have been responding to escalating community needs in the midst of tough economic times. Delegates to the union's annual policy-making convention approved a Special Order of Business last year to raise awareness of the critical importance of food banks and encourage locals to host at least one food drive annually in their communities.
NYSUT, the state's largest union, represents more than 600,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; faculty and other professionals at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York, and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.