
Karen Yi
Reporter covering homelessness and poverty for WNYC and Gothamist, contributing reporting on SNAP, grocery prices, and how economic pressures affect low-income communities.
Top 5 podcasts with Karen Yi
Ranked by the Snipd community

Mar 9, 2026 • 23min
New Work Rules Could Push Thousands of New Yorkers Off Food Assistance
Karen Yi, a WNYC reporter who breaks down local policy, explores how new federal SNAP work rules will affect nearly 1.8 million New Yorkers. She walks through who will be newly subject to requirements, how compliance and monthly verifications will be tracked, and the confusion around volunteer-hour math and potential consequences for noncompliance.

Nov 13, 2025 • 20min
SNAP and the Cost of Groceries
Karen Yi, a reporter focused on homelessness and poverty, and Joe Hong, an investigative data journalist, dive into the complex world of grocery pricing and SNAP benefits. They explore how prices vary across neighborhoods and the hidden factors influencing these costs. A discussion on why shopping local can sometimes be pricier reveals the challenges of low-income areas. Listeners share personal experiences, while insights into the effects of SNAP interruptions on both customers and stores add depth to the conversation about food affordability in New York City.

Oct 28, 2025 • 45min
SNAP Benefits and the Government Shutdown
Grace Yarrow, a food and agriculture policy reporter for POLITICO, and Karen Yi, a local reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discuss the looming impacts of the government shutdown on SNAP benefits. They highlight how millions could miss payments, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Grace explains the federal contingency fund's limitations, while Karen shares how New York plans to allocate $11 million for food banks. The conversation reveals urgent community needs and explores local resources for those affected.

Jul 26, 2025 • 10min
Stricter SNAP Rules Could Push NYC's Most Vulnerable Off Food Assistance
Karen Yi, a WNYC reporter focused on SNAP cuts affecting New Yorkers, discusses the alarming consequences of new federal laws reducing food assistance. She highlights how over 1.8 million residents, especially older adults and low-income workers, could lose vital benefits. Rising food costs and stricter eligibility create additional challenges for families, forcing many to juggle multiple support systems. Karen also sheds light on the struggles of gig economy workers and the impact these cuts have on vulnerable communities, amplifying food insecurity.

Apr 3, 2025 • 28min
Will Republicans in Washington Make New Yorkers Hungrier?
Karen Yi, a reporter for WNYC and Gothamist specializing in homelessness and poverty, sheds light on alarming potential cuts to SNAP that could leave 1.8 million New Yorkers, including over half a million children, facing increased hunger. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for food assistance and the real-life stories of those impacted. Yi critiques media narratives surrounding wealth redistribution, urging listeners to reflect on the harsh realities of food insecurity and the vital role of community support in addressing these pressing challenges.


