My name is Marcellus Wiley. In a single lifetime I've answered to ivy league graduate, professional athlete, sports commentator, friend and father. When you're in the public eye there's an assumption that the real you is known by all based on various television and radio interviews. When I saw Mario Batali in the news recently, it brought me back to the first title I ever had and that is "SON."

As a teenager I was often sent to the store by my mom to shop for the family. Whether it was for an extra ingredient needed for a certain dish, a gallon of milk...you name it and I was probably the one sent to get it. The journey I took to the store was not unlike that of countless kids all over the country. My team jersey was the same as most. My Chuck Taylors weren't too different from anyone else's and I gave the same "pound" to friends I saw along the way. The only thing that I was pretty certain set me apart from others was the currency burning a hole in my pocket. I knew that at the end of my shopping trip I would be paying the cashier with what I called "funny money", properly known as food stamps.

As a kid, I hated it. It's not like I was walking around like I thought I was better than others or some kind of Richie Rich but that didn't mean I wanted everybody to know THAT MUCH of our situation. In fact, sometimes I was so embarrassed that I would walk around the store in circles, up to 45 minutes in hopes to significantly delay the checkout process just so NO ONE would see me paying with those food stamps. 

When I heard that the Food Bank For New York City was doing a Food Stamp Challenge where people were actually CHOOSING to live on $31 for the week, I was intrigued. In all of the rhetoric today it's great to see people walking a mile in another's shoes in order to better understand their situation. When you're on any form of public assistance like food stamps, you're never thinking about the fact that you are one of almost 50 million Americans who are ALSO requiring assistance.

In my conversations with the Food Bank's president I learned that almost 80 percent of people on food stamps are mothers and their children. That's not different from my story. I also learned that many times teens would rather avoid using programs like free and reduced lunch assistance to keep from being embarrassed in front of their peers. That too is not different from my story. What's different for me now is that as an adult I better understand the necessity of a safety net for any family in need. Being needy doesn't mean anything about your character and certainly it doesn't say anything about your potential.

My mother firmly placed me on a path of success. The fact that part of that journey included walks to the store carrying food stamps makes me admire her even more. My sincere hope is that each person who has taken the Food Stamp Challenge will walk away understanding that what was an experiment for them is just called life for so many others. We live in a world where it's better to be called anything but poor. The Food Stamp Challenge reminds us that it's important that we use our voice and circle of influence on behalf of those who could truly use it. Food Bank For New York City is using this challenge to increase awareness and encourage all of us to act by letting our elected officials know that we care about those in need and expect them to do the same. If you'd like to join us in this effort just click here and let your voice be heard too.

Marcellus Wiley is a former All-Pro defensive end NFL analyst for ESPN, and co-host of "Max & Marcellus" on 710AM ESPN Radio Los Angeles. Wiley regularly appears on NFL Live, SportsCenter, First Take, and ESPNEWS, while also contributing to ESPN’s Super Bowl coverage.

By Chef Karl Wilder, 

What began for me as a month long project to live as a diabetic in support of the Harlem Hospital’s Stirring the Pot diabetes program also became a commitment to the Food Bank For New York City when I realized just how common diabetes and other diet-related diseases are in low-income communities — communities that also rely heavily on food stamps to get by.

To truly understand what low-income diabetics go through, I joined the Food Bank’s Food Stamp Challenge last week — an experience that for me will culminate in a twelve-hour Chef Challenge Marathon on May 19 in support of Stirring the Pot and the Food Bank.

Last summer I lived on a food stamp budget for two months in preparation for a benefit for the San Francisco Food Bank. I did okay then because I relied on high calorie foods that are filling and provide sustenance. But with the added challenge of a diet restricted by a very serious health condition, this time I sought to create an eating plan that had about 45 grams of carbohydrate per meal and never exceed $4.42 per day.

My morning cup of coffee with a splash of milk cost me forty-three cents, just 6 strawberries sixty cents, two slices of bacon forty two cents. In no time my budget has been consumed.

Now I am just hungry. Every day I am hungry. Thus far I have not been able to get my calories above 1,500 a day, though my goal is 2,200. I just can’t afford that many calories while eating the ”right” foods. I have managed to stay within budget but I feel weak and have less energy. My sleep patterns have been interrupted because I wake up feeling hunger.

When we think about people on food assistance we don’t often realize that many also have serious health issues like diabetes, celiac, heart disease.

We are not powerless. The Food Bank’s Food Stamp Challenge doesn’t just ask you to try experiencing life as a food stamp recipient for one week — it also asks you to take action by telling Congress to protect this essential program.

You can also host a Virtual Food Drive, where you can shop from aisles of healthy food options to support the Food Bank. Or, you can donate food to your local food assistance program — the Food Bank serves close to 1,000 of them throughout the five boroughs. But instead of pulling that extra pound of pasta or that can of beans from your pantry, head to the store. Pick up some high quality protein; sardines, anchovies, tuna, canned salmon, foods with omega 3 that are appropriate for those with health problems…and while you are at it…get some peanut butter for the kids.

By Daniel Buckley,

Right now — for our 1 Like = 5 Meals campaign — FedEx is donating 5 meals for each of the next 10,000 new "Likes" the Food Bank receives on Facebook. That translates into 50,000 meals for our neighbors in need! "Like" us today!

This campaign relies on the power of social media — which is really the power of  individual supporters like you and your networks. By "Liking" the Food Bank you are providing 5 meals for New Yorkers who struggle to afford food. By sharing this campaign with your community, who knows how many meals you can help provide?

We need your help to hit our goal. Please post to Facebook, tweet your support, post on Google+, pin our campaign page or use the Share button below to raise awareness through your favorite channel.

And remember, you are not just providing meals when you "Like" the Food Bank and share our campaign. You are raising awareness for hunger relief and sending a strong message to your community that you care. In New York City, 1 in 5 people rely on the Food Bank to get by. We think that 5 out of 5 New Yorkers should know how serious of a problem hunger is in our city.

After you have "Liked" the Food Bank and shared this campaign, make sure to visit our interactive Facebook campaign page to see the impact of your actions and check on our progress. For every "Like" we receive, you will see FedEx's truck moving along, helping to deliver more and more meals for low-income New Yorkers.

With so many New Yorkers relying on soup kitchens, food stamps and other sources of support just to keep themselves and their families well fed, the Food Bank likes to set our sights high. Ten thousand is a big number. But with our supporters out there sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and more, we know we can do it. Thank you for your support!

By Jacquie Wayans,

My story is very complex. We don't meet the stereotype. My three kids all went to Gifted & Talented public schools. I worked and attended Columbia University, School of General Studies to finish up my BA while remaining active in church and community.

So why were we on food stamps? Our family started relying on food stamps when my former husband was diagnosed with kidney failure and had to stop working. Our family was very young and I was a stay at home mom — not because we could afford it, but because we would have ended up spending more in day care, food and transportation than I would have made. So, I applied for WIC, Food Stamps and Medicaid. I did eventually start working, but then became separated and needed food stamps again.

Jacquie Wayans

After having lived through that, you might be surprised that I would take the Food Stamp Challenge. My first thought when I heard about the challenge was, "I can do that." It’s sure not easy, but sometimes it helps to remember where you were and how far you’ve come.

Here's an example of my life before I had food stamps: When pregnant with my middle child, I stood in front of a refrigerator with groceries that had to last 2 weeks. I prayed at that moment, knowing that it was not enough. That child's birth weight was 5 lbs 8oz.

When on food stamps, people I saw in the supermarket were often struck by how much fresh fruit and vegetables were in my cart. If it wasn’t for food stamps I would not have been able to purchase the healthy foods a growing family needs.

Working in education, I know kids do best after eating a balanced meal. If the Food Stamp Program is cut, children will be the ones who lose the most. Nothing hurts a mom more than not being able to provide for her child's basic needs. I am fortunate that I had a very strong church family during those times, but many have no one.

For most families, getting to the point where food stamps aren’t necessary is a big goal. For me, I always knew that it would be temporary. The transition off is hard because once you make a dollar over the cut off point, you're on your own and the loss can feel big. However, you keep on pushing.

Today I have my BA and a new children's book, Ambrose. And that child who weighed 5 lbs 8 oz is now graduating from high school with her eye on becoming a fitness trainer. None of that would have been possible if I wasn’t able to feed myself or my family.

By Lisa Hines-Johnson,

Today, Mother’s Day, is the third day of the Food Bank For New York City’s Food Stamp Challenge — a call to supporters to spend just one week experiencing what it is like to have to rely on a food stamp budget of $1.48 per meal. 

As I reflect on the challenge and how powerful it will be for people who participate, it has struck me how fitting it is to have this experience on one of the most important days celebrating mothers — as the face of poverty is overwhelmingly that of a woman and her children. I am also reminded of my own mother and our experience, as a single mother and her only child, having to rely on food stamps.

Food Bank Chief Operations Officer Lisa Hines-Johnson, right, with her mother, Gladys Pesante

It was the early 1980s when my mother lost her job after fourteen years of dedicated service to her company. I was young, yet old enough to know that something was different. My mother still got out of the bed we shared in our one-bedroom apartment in the Bronx well before the sun came up, but she no longer put on her work clothes or those high-heeled shoes that I slipped on while playing dress-up. My mom was now home when I arrived from school. We spent more time together. That was good. Nothing seemed wrong….at least for a little while. I found out years later that my mother was able to provide for us for some time with the severance package her company had given her. Once that money was spent, things changed. 

I asked my mother how she felt during this time of transition from a life of modest comfort to trying to stretch a dollar until even it begged for mercy. She shared that she did what she had to at a time when her options were limited. It was hard. She talked about the embarrassment that quickly turned to anger when she noticed disapproving stares as she paid with her food stamps. She wanted to yell out “I’ve worked. I didn’t plan for this!” She felt defeated yet thankful for the neighborhood grocer who was kind enough to allow us to get food that we needed and pay him later. And worried about how we’d get through the next week with the stamps — which were actually stamps back then — and other support running low. 

I remember when I first noticed that our food supply was dwindling which, of course, always happened towards the end of the month. Those meals always consisted of scrambled or fried eggs, French fries and a canned vegetable, usually beets. I remember sharing in my own little girl version of my mother’s shame, anger and sadness.

I also remember that, despite her situation, my mother always tried to do things that would improve our reality even if only temporarily. From odd jobs in local shops, to babysitting for children in the neighborhood, to taking courses to become a dog groomer and grooming the same three dogs every month, my mother tried with everything she had to ensure that I still had gifts to open at Christmas, parties to celebrate my birthday and a new outfit to wear on picture day at school.

As a mother of three, my heart aches for what I can now fully comprehend was my mother’s struggle during this period in our lives. As someone who lived the Food Stamp Challenge and never thought she’d have to, my mother told me how important she feels it is for people who participate in this experience to talk about it so that others might know how urgently the people who rely on food stamps need this support to get through the next month, the next meal. My mother and I hope that this challenge might inspire more people to join the larger discussion around poverty and what needs to be done to move people back into the lives they had, or the ones they dream of having.

Lisa Hines-Johnson is the Food Bank For New York City's Chief Operating Officer.

What are you doing March 18? Hopefully dining at one of more than of 100 Time Out New York's favorite restaurants throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island, that are donating 10% of the day's proceeds to the Food Bank as a part of Time Out For Hunger 2012. Whet your appetite by taking a look at some of the Food Bank's Staff Picks of their Time Out For Hunger favorites. Then head on over to the complete list of restaurants to find more delicious eats throughout the city.

Take a Time Out for Hunger on March 18, 2012

Rose Water (Park Slope)

"Within the packed culinary landscape of Park Slope it’s easy to feel like you’ve discovered an out of the way gem when you walk into Rose Water. Tucked into a residential block, I felt immediately at ease in the restaurant’s relatively small and homey interior. While there are choices to excite adventurous eaters — grilled pork belly with pickled cabbage anyone? — in my opinion it’s with the more straightforward entrees like the grilled pork chop with braised cabbage, sausage, marinated onions and baked apple that Rose Water really shines. With a great chef and excellent ingredients, less really can be more." —Daniel Buckley, Senior Online Communications Manager

Agozar! (East Village)

"Agozar! Cuban Bistro and Bar truly lives up to its name.  The atmosphere is lively and will have you practicing your mambo moves all the way to your seat!  The tapas are enough to share but you will want to keep these flavorful Cuban classics to yourself.  Since that isn't in the spirit of this playful space, for those with big appetites, consider one of the Platos Fuertes.  No matter what you choose, you won't be disappointed.  Bring your appetite, your friends and get ready for a great time and a meal that will have your taste buds dancing!" —Lisa Hines-Johnson, Chief Operations Officer

La Vigna (Forest Hills)

"La Vigna has some of the most delicious gnocchi I've ever tasted.  The atmosphere is quaint and homey, and it doesn't hurt that despite its neighborhood popularity I was still able to get a great table without having a reservation." —Jamee Brody, Business Partnerships Coordinator

Paulie Gee's (Greenpoint) 

“While Greenpoint’s dining scene continues to draw new attention from sophisticated palates, the two-year-old Paulie Gee’s remains worshiping grounds for pizza aficionados.  Reasons to go: charred, chewy crust from the Stefano Ferrara wood-fired oven, locally sourced ingredients and one of the most charming restaurant owners you’ll meet — Paul table hops throughout service.  Cruise over on the East River Ferry or hop on the G and make a day of it.  Stroll the thoughtful shops on Franklin Ave. after you’ve had your fill of pies — just make sure one of them is the “Anise and Anephew” or you’ll never forgive yourself.“ —Danielle Pagano, Director of Communications & Marketing

'wichcraft (Upper West Side)

"The Lincoln Center location of ‘wichcraft is housed in the beautiful David Rubenstein Atrium.  Maybe you are there to buy discounted Lincoln Center tickets, maybe you are there for the free concert on Target Free Thursdays, or maybe you just need a place to hide out.  While you are in the Atrium, grab a bite at the ‘wichcraft.  You can choose from an extensive list of sandwiches and salads, or you can just get a coffee or a wine.  As you eat, take a moment to admire the vertical gardens — yes, the grass grows on the wall!" —Julie Ho, Digital Media Intern

Chinatown Brasserie (NoHo)

"The Chinatown Brasserie has the best dim sum ever.  Prices vary, but are affordable.  The ambiance is to die for, and is the perfect setting for an intimate night for two, or a fun filled work event.  They offer dishes for all pallets, even the most picky like mine.  Favorite dishes include “Crunchy Vegetable & Peanut Dumplings” and “Three-Chili Chicken with Peanuts & Red Pepper.”" —Freddy Sanchez,  Cookshop Classroom Associate

 

By Mandy Kessler, 

Last week, a group of Food Bank staff gathered for a big group lunch to test out a delicious new partnership between longtime Food Bank supporter Mario Batali and the taste-masters behind Cambodian sandwich shop Num Pang. Aptly named the Batali Pang, this unique new sandwich benefits the Food Bank, so we may be a little biased. But if you question the objectivity of the following review, we have a solution for you — try the sandwich out for yourself and let us know what you think! You know you want to anyway.

Top: The Batali Pang, photo by Alexander Jorgensen; Bottom: Food Bank staff enjoying their Batali Pangs

Available through March 15, the Batali Pang consists of authentic Italian cotechino sausage from Brooklyn Bangers with balsamic pickled onions and Cacio de Roma cheese, folded into the traditional Num Pang ingredients  —  homemade chili mayo, pickled carrots, cucumber and cilantro.

As a bahn mi-lover, this sandwich offered just what I hoped for, traditional Asian flavors with a unique and pleasing Italian twist. The sausage had just the right amount of spice and fat to pair with chili mayo, and the pickled onions and Cacio de Roma cheese added a delicious bite. And after enjoying it all between the chewy-on-the-outside, soft-inside semolina flour baguette, I now know why the shop is named "Num Pang," a Cambodian term for "bread." With ingredients originating from countries not usually found in the same sentence, let alone sandwich, the different flavors came together seamlessly. I can safely say that all of my coworkers who joined me in testing out this unique partnership agreed — the Batali Pang is not to be missed.

But don’t take our word for it  —  check it out and let us know what you think. And remember, for every Batali Pang you order through March 15, $3 will be donated to the Food Bank  —  that means one sandwich helps provide 15 free meals for New Yorkers in need.

Mandy Kessler is the Business Partnerships Manager at the Food Bank For New York City.

Food Bank For New York City is so grateful for everything you do over the holiday season and throughout the year — and so are the 1.5 million New Yorkers who rely on our programs and services. It is because of YOU, our supporters, that the 1 in 5 children who relies on soup kitchens and food pantries in NYC have the nourishment they need to grow healthy and strong. It is because of YOU that veterans returning from overseas will have somewhere to turn if he or she find themselves struggling to afford food.

Cheryl with a carton of fat-free milk from the Food Bank's Community Kitchen & Food Pantry. Photo by Karen Smul, courtesy of Professional Women Photographers "PWP."

And it is because of YOU that Cheryl has what she needs to get by. Please take a moment to read her story and learn what a big difference your support truly makes. Thank you!

"October was the first time I came for groceries at the [Community Kitchen & Food Pantry]. I get food stamps, but sometimes it's not enough. It's a help, but when I get to the end of the month, sometimes I need some extra help. So I come here.

"The pantry helped me a lot with Thanksgiving. The rice and chicken I picked up at the pantry made the meal. I had a really good holiday because of it.

"I think the way they do it here is good. Instead of just picking up a bag, I can pick what I need. It’s just like the supermarket.

"Please keep it going. This is so great for the community. It helps a lot of people get by, and I am real thankful that it's here for us."

Happy Hanukkah from the Food Bank family to your's! As you enjoy the holiday with latkes and sufganiyot, know that your support helps make sure that Jewish families throughout the five boroughs can enjoy the holiday season with all the food they need to stay happy and healthy.

Menorah hung underneath the the Q line on Brighton Beach Avenue in Brooklyn.

photo by Lee Gillen

This holiday season, give your family and friends gifts that give back. Let Ruth Reichl help you pick the perfect gift with her holiday shopping list on Gilt Taste — but move fast, because today’s the LAST DAY TO SHOP. But don’t fret if you are too slow. You can still add color to someone’s table or spice up their life with the holiday gift ideas below — all to benefit hunger relief!

LAST DAY: Ruth Reichl’s Holiday Picks Benefit Food Bank 
Ruth Reichl, legendary food writer, editor and Food Bank Culinary Council member, curates a holiday shopping list of her favorite items just for us. Shop Gilt Taste now through December 6 and 100 percent of the purchase prices will be donated to the Food Bank.  To see Ruth’s holiday picks, visit Gilt Taste > 

Honor Your Loved Ones
Show your loved ones how much you care by making a donation in their honor for the holidays! Pick from our selection of holiday eCards, and make sure to let the recipient know that their gift is helping provide much needed meals  to New Yorkers who struggle to afford food for themselves and their families. Give today >

 

Fishs Eddy ‘Dishes Out’ Hunger Relief
In celebration of Fishs Eddy’s 25th anniversary, they've created an exciting new line of dishes and kitchen accessories to benefit Food Bank! The line consists of 14 products each in Food Bank’s signature orange, the color of hunger awareness. Five percent of all proceeds from the new line will be donated to the Food Bank to help the 1.5 million New Yorkers who rely on our programs and services. From dishwasher-safe serve ware, glassware, dish towels, refrigerator magnets, coasters to t-shirt for those who literally want to wear the cause on their sleeve, there’s no end to the creative ways to show your support for the Food Bank. Shop now > 

Gilt City Events With Star Chefs
The Food Bank has joined forces with Gilt City and NYC’s culinary luminaries in the fight to end hunger. Now through December 16 — you can buy gifts such as working with Food Bank Culinary Council member Emeril Lagasse to create recipes based on your favorite ingredients. Also available, a shopping trip to the green market followed by a tasting dinner for four from JoeDoe. Find out more by visiting Gilt City >