Zohran Mamdani Appoints Vegan Environmentalist To Direct NYC Food Policy

Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City, has appointed Siddhartha Sanchez, a lifelong vegan and environmentalist, to direct food policy. Sanchez will advise Mamdani on issues related to NYC’s food system and work towards ensuring access to nutritious and affordable food for all residents, especially those in low-income communities of color.

Sanchez, who comes from the Bronx River Alliance, has over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and community-based food systems. Mamdani plans to open five city-run grocery stores in food deserts to address food insecurity and make healthy food more accessible to all New Yorkers. Mamdani and Sanchez view food access as an economic justice issue and are committed to creating a food system that works for everyone.