Why does food safety matter? How well do city, state and federal agencies protect New Yorkers from food-related illnesses? How has the level of food safety in New York City changed in the last decade?  What are the emerging threats to food safety in New York City and the nation?  What else could New York City do to better prevent food-borne illnesses? How much does food poisoning cost New York City?  Would further investments in food safety better protect restaurants, food stores and their customers from cost and suffering? 

In February 2019 the City of New York released its FY20 Preliminary Budget Departmental Estimates and other financial reports such as the Citywide Savings Program, and the Register of Community Board Budget Requests (with City Agency responses in February). While City Council and Borough Presidents also have funds, that they can allocate for projects commonly addressed at district or borough needs, the City's expense budget – which includes annual expenses such as salaries and supplies, and capital budget – which guides investment in infrastructure and equipment lasting multiple years – are essential tools through which the city shapes food systems and policy. So, what do these preliminary FY20 City budget documents tell us about the City’s urban food system and the city agencies that govern it? We took a closer look at some of the numbers and here is what we found.