The number of New Yorkers needing food assistance is up 21% this year according to a report by the New York City Coalition Against Hunger published in the New York Times yesterday. About 55% of the agencies that feed the needy will not be able to meet the demand for food this year. This is a very serious crisis in our city. I am asking you to do what you can to help those in need. Please donate food, feed the needy yourselves or donate money to the New York City Coalition Against Hunger.