On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss how one local nonprofit organization is helping families in need of food aid amid the government shutdown.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, has been put in jeopardy since the shutdown.

The lapse in funding has put more pressure on food pantries and afterschool programs to alleviate hunger for students and families in underserved communities.

In a major development last Wednesday night, President Donald Trump signed a funding bill ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown lasted 43 days.

According to the latest data from Feeding America, about 1.4 million New Yorkers are facing food insecurity.

The nonprofit New York Edge has food pantries and afterschool programs across the city to help with the ongoing issue of food insecurity.

Joining us is Rachael Gazdick from New York Edge to discuss what the nonprofit has been doing to help during these tough times.

Also on our program: We'll tell you about a new independent film, "The Veteran."

The movie follows the story of a U.S. Marine who faces significant challenges after returning home from deployment in Afghanistan. The film tackles the many struggles veterans face after deployment overseas.

We'll talk with the filmmaker about the work and its significance.

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On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss how one local higher education institution is supporting the diverse needs of its Latino student community.

Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey has a dedicated center to help Latino and first-generation students. In fact, the Hispanic Center has been around for two decades.

The center helps students take advantage of educational opportunities, with programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of Latino students. More than 20% of the student population is Latino at the school's Teaneck campus.

Joining us to discuss is Irene Ojo, Luz Elena Flores and Arianne Alvarez from the Hispanic Center at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Also on our program, celebrating Puerto Rican pride.

November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month, which honors the many contributions that Boricuas have made in the United States.

To kick off the festivities, the Puerto Rican Institute for the Development of the Arts (PRIDA) has scheduled several special events. One of the events is the Puerto Rican Artisans and Authors Fair that celebrates 20 years.

We speak with members of PRIDA about the organization and the special programming in honor of Puerto Rican Heritage Month.

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On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss a new poll that shows President Donald Trump's approval amongst Latinos has fallen since the beginning of 2025.

According to an October 2025 poll by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, the president's favorability has significantly declined among Hispanic adults since he began his second term in January.

The poll points to a drop on key issues like the economy and immigration, which were major factors in his 2024 election victory.

The poll was conducted between October 9 and October 13. It samples more than 1,200 adults across the country, and nearly 380 participants identified as Hispanic.

Joining us to discuss is Renata Castro, immigration attorney and founding member of the USA4ALL law firm. Castro says optimism among her Latino clients has changed.

Also ahead, we catch up with the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.

Tiempo has featured the organization many times, and now Catholic Charities has a new leader who is Latino himself. Catholic Charities is a national network of independent agencies that provide a wide range of support to people in need.

We'll have more on the organization and hear from their new leader on this program.

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On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss raising awareness about domestic violence in the Latino community.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and many in the Latino community often cite fear of deportation or family separation as reasons why they don't seek help. Many cases are often not reported due to stigma or lack of culturally-competent resources.

Families and advocates recently walked the Mario Cuomo Bridge to raise awareness of domestic violence at the annual "Shine the Light" walk. The event was supported by Goya Gives and was led by the nonprofit Center for Safety and Change.

Joining us to discuss is Stefany Ovalles from the Center for Safety and Chance, as well as actress and domestic violence survivor April Hernandez.

Also on our program: The New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar and Lounge Association recently distributed $100,000 in grants to local Latino-owned restauranteurs.

The nonprofit partnered with Grub Hub to help fund those Latino business owners with staffing, equipment upgrades, marketing, and other essential needs to help the restaurants thrive.

We'll have more on the event and partnership coming up from the organization and one of the grant recipients.

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On this edition of Tiempo, we break down what students and families need to know about this year's federal student aid form and its new changes.

The 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is now available.

The form is a critical first step for students hoping to receive federal aid, grants and educational loans as well as work study programs.

Technical problems with the form and delays led to major headaches in recent years. This year, administrators streamlined the form to make it easier to fill out.

Here to help guide us once again through the form and some of the new changes is James Rodriguez from UFT's College and Career Resource Fairs and Francisco Garcia-Quezada from the NYC Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network.

They have several FAFSA completion events specifically designed to help students and families successfully submit the application.

Also on our show: The Dominican American Distinguished Awards takes place later this month in New York City.

The inaugural event will honor Dominican leaders and visionaries for their cultural, entrepreneurial and social impact. We'll hear more about the prestigious event coming up.

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On this edition of Tiempo, we learn more about a local nonprofit organization on a mission to bring fresh produce and food education to residents.

Connected Chef is a Queens-based nonprofit that will open a new fresh market and community food hub in Woodside later this month.

The organization is on a mission to ensure people in Queens have access to local, nutritious food and education on health eating.

Joining us to discuss are Kim Calichio and Omar Bravo-Pavia, the co-founders of Connected Chef.

Meanwhile, we continue to celebrate Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month at Tiempo, where we recognize the contributions and impact of Latino Americans to history and culture.

Today, we share the story of a Latino family that owns a pastelito/empanada shop in Brooklyn. The family hails from the Dominican Republican and they make authentic meat pies.

We have a report on the family-run Bushwick restaurant, Pastelitos Elys, coming up.

Also on our program: Before Lincoln Center, there was San Juan Hill -- a neighborhood that was home to so many Black people and Puerto Ricans.

San Juan Hill was an epicenter of music creativity, and Lincoln Center has several events to keep that rich history alive. We take a look at those events that honor that history.

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On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss a unique tool allowing people to monitor and be aware of immigration enforcement activity on Long Island.

The organization Islip Forward launched the ICE Tracker in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The online tool allows community member to track and report sightings of immigration and customs enforcement agents in real time to help keep immigrant families informed.

Joining us to discuss is Brian Delgado of Islip Forward.

Meanwhile, we continue our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, Tiempo recognizes the contributions and impact of Latino Americans to history and culture.

Today, we share the inspiring story of a Latina who traveled from the Dominican Republic with a single suitcase and a dream, and now runs a media empire.

Also on our program: Catching up with the Latino leader of New Jersey City University.

The school has a large Latino population and it supports its Latino students through partnerships with various Hispanic organizations and businesses.

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On this edition of Tiempo, we discuss how one organization is addressing the often overlooked subject of Latino mental health.

The mental health stigma is a pervasive issue in many Hispanic communities, often preventing individuals from seeking the care they need.

On Long Island, the Hispanic Counseling Center is working hard to break that stigma.

The center provides bilingual health programs for Hispanic families in Nassau and Suffolk counties. They also offer afterschool programs for children, and they've been around for nearly 50 years.

Joining us to discuss is Claudia Boyle, CEO of the Hispanic Counseling Center. She shares with us all the support services they offer to the Latino community.

Meanwhile, we are in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, Tiempo recognizes the contributions and impact of Latino Americans to history and culture.

This time, we travel to Staten Island, where many Mexicans live. Several groups there are making sure the culture and love of Mexican heritage thrives. We have a special report on that coming up.

Also on our program, honoring a pioneer of the Latin music industry.

Ralph Mercado transformed the promotion, management and production of salsa and tropical music. His record company was responsible for staging major Latin music events around the world.

In honor of his legacy, a street in Brooklyn will be renamed after him next month. We talk to Mercado's family about the recognition and how they are keeping his legacy alive.

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On this edition of Tiempo, we catch up with the chancellor of CUNY, the City University of New York.

CUNY has 26 colleges and professional schools spread throughout the five boroughs, serving nearly 240,000 students.

According to CUNY's official statistics, Latino students represented approximately 31% of the total student body last year.

Joining us to discuss is CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, the first Latino to lead the nation's largest urban university. Rodriguez has been an outspoken advocate for Hispanic students.

On a related note, it's Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month!

Throughout the month, we will recognize the contributions and impact of Latino Americans to history and culture.

One of the best places to experience the arts and culture of Latin Americans is in New York City at El Museo del Barrio. We'll have a special report on the museum coming up.

Also on our program, more on the East Harlem School at Exodus House.

It's an independent, nonprofit middle school designed to provide a holistic education and prioritize low-income families in East Harlem. We'll talk with the leaders of the school about its mission and goals.

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On this edition of Tiempo, we highlight a brand-new restaurant that just opened in the heart of the South Bronx, and detail what's new at this year's New York Latino Film Festival.

The non-profit organization, Oyate Group, started the restaurant Nourish, which is located in the South Bronx.

It's not your typical money-making venture. One hundred percent of the profits will go to scholarships and community-based programs.

Oyate Group focuses on fighting poverty. The team also wants to create job opportunities with the new operation.

Joining us to discuss is Oyate Group Founder Tomas Ramos.

Meanwhile, the New York Latino Film Festival is back, celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The festival is currently underway and features more than 100 films! We have details on where you can watch the movies.

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