By David McCoy, 

In the fight to end hunger in New York City, the Food Bank has amazing resources — more than 100 staff with expertise ranging from public policy to elementary-school education, high-profile ambassadors like Mario Batali who help raise funds and awareness and supporters like you who donate, volunteer and advocate. Right now, nearly three million New Yorkers struggle to afford food, and our citywide network is one of our greatest resources, fighting hunger on the front lines everyday in soup kitchens, food pantries, senior centers, after-school programs and more.

Our network’s boots on the ground and frontline insight may be one of the best ways to truly affect change and eradicate hunger from our great city. The Food Bank network is a collaboration, to lift every voice, to hear every story, to use our knowledge to help families survive.

Food Bank President and CEO Margarette Purvis with Anita Fein of Food Bank network member St. Edward Food Pantry at our 2012 Annual Agency Conference

This idea, this direction to lift every voice, is championed by our new President and CEO, Margarette Purvis, and was first articulated at Food Bank’s 20th Annual Agency Conference. More than 500 network members and anti-hunger advocates rallied behind the importance of collaboration in service, how we must view our roles as providers differently, that we must be more strategic about our actions and that the Food Bank will be there to help ensure everyone is heard.

This vision will not only help sustain the work we do, but will advance it in new, innovate and responsive ways. When we all lift our voices to combat hunger, the potential for achieving change is incredible. Stay tuned to our blog to learn about achievements of our collaborative approach but, in the meantime, won't you raise your voice too? Share this post on Facebook and tweet your support!
 

By Ashley Goforth, 

The Bronx is home to many great things — a world class botanical garden and zoo, Arthur Avenue and the New York Yankees. But the Bronx is also one of the poorest regions in the country — according to Food Bank research, 50 percent of Bronx residents struggle to afford food.

So when the Muslim Women’s Institute for Research and Development (MWIRD) reached out to the Food Bank after experiencing a loss of nearly 70 percent of their funding, the Food BAnk knew something had to be done.

With their Benedict Avenue and Highbridge food pantries in the South Bronx, the Institute is a beacon of hope within the the country’s poorest Congressional district. Run by Executive Director Nurah Amat’ullah and four additional paid staff — MWIRD relies heavily on the support of volunteers and donors to keep their doors open and services running smooth. The organization was originally established 14 years ago to serve the Muslim population, but has since grown to serve a diverse population that was in great need of support.

Even though the MWIRD team worked without salaries for six months, they still found themselves facing more than $48,000 in debt. With few options left, they reached out to the media for help in hopes of raising awareness and funds to preserve their organization. An article written in the Daily News brought success that far exceeded our wildest expectation. After reading the article and hearing about the plight of an organization that serves and is depended on by so many, the Collegiate Church Corporation offered MWIRD a grant large enough to cover their debt, pay their staff and even save for the future.

The Food Bank is heartened by many parts of this story — the power of media to inspire, the dedication of our network members, that MWIRD is safe and continues to serve the South Bronx. And there is one more part that I am personally heartened by: in addition to its great teams, attractions and food, more people now know about the great people who sacrifice in order to help the Bronx.

Just before Thanksgiving, you heard from Cassandra Agredo, Director of Food Bank network member Xavier Mission, on Bank on It about the whirlwind of activity leading up to Thanksgiving day.

The Food Bank invited Cassandra back to let us know how the big day went. We hope you will join us in thanking Cassandra and Xavier Mission for the amazing work they do on the front lines of hunger relief — leave a note in the comments!
—Daniel Buckley

Thanksgiving at Xavier Mission is my favorite time of the year. It’s when the best of humanity is revealed, when the boundaries that divide us seem to disappear for awhile.

A new Yorker enjoys a warm meal at a Food Bank network soup kitchen

What humbles me the most about the holiday is the gratitude I experience from so many people. It begins when our food pantry guests arrive to pick up their Thanksgiving food baskets. Many of them hug me, clasp my hands and bless me and my family. Some are so overwhelmed by the food they are receiving and the ability to provide their families with a home-cooked holiday meal that they become tearful in their thanks.

One amazing moment happened when an elderly guest greeted one of my volunteers with effusions of gratitude and kept telling the volunteer how much she wished she could do something for him. All she had with her was a piece of gum and she pressed it into his hand, eager to show her thanks and return the kindness.

The gratitude continued to flow on Thanksgiving day, when a gentleman joining us for dinner at our community meal program slipped a napkin into my pocket. “Oh this rainbow coalition would fit into any exhibit of New York!” the napkin exclaimed. “Thanksgiving [at Xavier] was truly lovely and the greatest of performances!”

Gratitude emanated from our volunteers as well. One 78-year-old woman had been signed up to receive a homebound meal. She called several days before the holiday to decline the delivery and requested instead that she be allowed to volunteer. She sat at the door and welcomed each guest into the hall with a smile, then thanked me over and over at the end of the day for allowing her to be a part of the festivities.

After being awash in the thanks and gratitude of so many this Thanksgiving, I find myself to be the most grateful of all. I’m grateful for the many blessings in my life, for the opportunity to work in a fulfilling job, and for the amazing people I meet every day — guests, volunteers, colleagues, advocates — who teach me so much about life, about justice and about love. 

Last week, the Food Bank For New York City conducted its Thanksgiving food distribution. Over three days, more than 150 members of our citywide food assistance network made the trip to our Bronx warehouse to pick up over 10,000 turkeys and chicken roasters as well as thousands of pounds of potatoes, carrots, onions and apples. This food is will provide nutritious Thanksgiving meals for New Yorkers who, without our network, would have to face a very real possibility of going without a holiday meal.

On Wednesday, I took the trip to the Bronx myself to help out. I also took the opportunity to talk with a few of our network members about what it’s like on the front lines of hunger relief over the holidays. Here is what Cassandra Agredo, Director of Xavier Mission at Chelsea’s Church of St. Francis Xavier, had to say.
-Daniel Buckley

Cassandra Agredo, Director of Food Bank network member Xavier Mission, at our Bronx warehouse to pick up food for Thanksgiving services

There is definitely a special need around the holidays. Our guests struggle all year round. Many rely on food stamps and multiple food assistance programs to keep food on the table. But when you have the added expenses of the holiday – you know, a turkey is expensive – people need a bit more help.

With so many people facing hard times, especially since the recession began, we do everything we can to make sure everyone in our neighborhood is able to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

In the past two and a half years, the number of people coming to us for food assistance has increased drastically. Attendance at our soup kitchen rose a full 33 percent. We are seeing people who’ve lost their jobs, a lot of whom are coming to us for the first time. By the time they ask for help, many are at the end of their savings and don’t really know what they’re doing at a food pantry. Some have applied for food stamps, but that often won’t take them through the month.

Thanksgiving is our biggest event of the year. At our soup kitchen, we prepare and serve about 200 Thanksgiving meals to seniors and disabled individuals in the community. We partner with Beth Israel Medical Center and a health care organization called Isabella to locate and provide meals to about 300 homebound individuals around Manhattan on Thanksgiving Day.

We also pack Thanksgiving baskets for the families that rely on our food pantry. Each basket includes a ten-pound turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, fruit, vegetables, pudding, cake mix – basically everything you need for a happy Thanksgiving! Our baskets provide meals for 450 to 500 family members, so at the end of Thanksgiving day we help provide holiday meals for up to 1,000 people.

 Making that happen definitely is not an easy task, but it makes me feel like I’m part of something much bigger than myself. We just try to give people whatever they need to make it a special day.

Your support helps the Food Bank serve programs like Xavier MIssion throughout the five boroughs. Thank you!

by David McCoy

A van from a member of the Food Bank’s food assistance network packed to the brim with poultry and fresh produce for Thanksgiving

Members of the Food Bank’s food assistance network

View more photos of the Food Bank’s Thanksgiving distribution

First of all, I want to say happy Thanksgiving to all of our supporters — thank you for helping us bring holiday meals to New Yorkers in need! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. And if I had to pick the best day of the year at the Food Bank, it would be the day that I go to our Bronx warehouse to help with the annual Thanksgiving distribution.

On that day I see all the work that the Food Bank does come to fruition right before my eyes. Standing on the docks on a chilly Tuesday morning surrounded by Food Bank staff and volunteers, we wait for agencies to come and receive their free Thanksgiving turkeys, chicken roasters and produce.

As the warehouse buzzes with activity, the calm of the morning lends itself to a rush of activity almost instantly. As cars, trucks and vans from all over the city begin to arrive, the day can begin. Each program backs in to our loading docks and we get to work filling their vehicle with the birds they ordered as well as all the fresh produce the program would like. We push, we shove, we lift, we arrange, we rearrange to ensure that each program that comes to us can get as much as possible for their community.

Hunched over, stacking birds, onions, potatoes, bananas and more into a van, I see how important the work the Food Bank does is. This work is hard and often unrewarded, but as I crawl out of the van, which is now loaded to the brim, I see that the rewards of feeding the hungry are endless. It is the handshake, the smile and the “Happy Thanksgiving” that follows, as well as the knowledge that the food we just packed into that van will end up on the tables of hungry New Yorkers this Thanksgiving. As that van pulls out of the dock, another backs in and I know that Thanksgiving will indeed be happier for New Yorkers in need.

Thank you for making this work possible! With FedEx matching donations, up to a total of $20,000, please consider making a gift today to support the Food Bank’s efforts throughout the rest of the holiday season.

by Ashley Goforth

Recently, I’ve met a number of college students who are relying on food stamps in order to make ends meet and I've put a lot of thought into the connection between being able to eat and being able to learn. Many students qualify for participation in the Food Stamp Program (now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP). When I think of food assistance, my first thought is not college students, but the truth is, if you are hungry, you can’t learn.

I recently learned more about college students relying on food stamps when I met Carlotta — a NYC student living in Brooklyn who has graciously allowed us into her experience as a food stamp recipient. Here is a short interview:

How did you come to apply for food stamps?
I was working as a massage therapist and going back to school. My schedule varied tremendously and sometimes I would have zero massages, which meant I earned no money. My friends and roommates told me about the program. After I heard more about a friend going through the process, I decided to contact the Food Bank for some help, and they took me through the pre-screening process. 

I was surprised that I qualified for food stamps as a student, but hearing it was an easy process convinced me to apply. Having the extra help each month relieved my anxiety about affording food.

How long does your allotment last during the month, and what do you do when it runs out?
From the beginning, I tried stretching my allotment through the first three weeks. Then I’d have enough money to pay for food when it ran out. I was living pretty poorly before so I was already used to being careful with my money.

Do you know of other students who would qualify for food stamps who are not taking advantage of the program?
Yes, many of us in my program are making less than $1,100 a month. I’m sure many of them qualify and aren’t in the program.

If you struggle to afford food, food stamps may be just the thing to make ends meet. Our food stamp information call center (212.894.8060) is available throughout the work week, providing regular access to food stamp specialists who can conduct pre-screenings and answer questions. Call us today! For more information about in-person assistance and food stamp FAQs, visit our Get Food Stamps Now page.
 

by Katherine Mancera

As today is the last day of public school in New York City, it is a perfect time to reflect on an exciting year of CookShop, the Food Bank’s nutrition education program. Our workshops for children, teens and adults reached more than 15,000 people in all five boroughs, including students in more than 700 public elementary school classrooms.

Last year, in a survey of participating teachers, more than 97 percent reported their students more likely to try a new healthy food because of CookShop, while 96 percent reported their students want to eat healthier and 92 percent said their students are making healthier food choices because of CookShop.

This year, participating principals sent letters describing their CookShop success stories, and we were thrilled to hear their rave reviews. We’re especially excited that so many people involved with CookShop will continue cooking and eating fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains at home. Here are a few of their stories:

“CookShop became a catch phrase in our building, and the amount of enthusiasm it built among our teachers and students was amazing. The children in grades pre-K to second and in our special needs class learn to make healthy, nutritious recipes that they eagerly share with their parents at home. CookShop’s lessons have students readily eating vegetables in our cafeteria that my nutritionist and our parents have told me they were not eating before. It provides a bonding experience, a motivational tool and a new way of talking about food and nutrition for our teachers, our parents and our students. “CookShop is an essential weapon in our healthy-living, healthy-eating fight to change the obesity rates in our school and in our neighborhood.” —Harold Anderson, Principal, C.S. 21 – Crisups Attucks Elementary School “Our cook tastes the recipes and is going to start serving [CookShop] dishes at lunch time. This program has not only taught our community about healthy eating, but it has brought our community together.…Parents are volunteering in the classroom and cooking with the staff.” —Carin Ellis, Principal, P.S. 212 Queens – School of CyberScience and Literacy “The teachers and students love the program. I just walked into a bilingual classroom and it was the first time they have seen cauliflower and collard greens. They were amazed with the texture.” —Melissa Acevedo-Lamarca, Assistant Principal, P.S. 19 Queens “This is the first year my school is participating in the program and we LOVE IT!!! My little kindergarten, first and second grade students enjoy Fridays when their teachers do the CookShop lessons. I often have a little visitor coming to give me a small sample of what they made in class. My kids are always eager to explain what they made and how they did it.” —Vanessa Christenses, Assistant Principal, P.S. 48 Queens – The William Wordsworth School “This Thanksgiving my family had a potluck and we all had to bring something. My sister, who teaches second grade at a school in the Bronx, surprised us with the three-bean salsa, which she too learned to make in CookShop at her school. This was full circle for me…CookShop is touching the lives of so many near and far. It makes me smile every time I think of my sister serving a CookShop dish at Thanksgiving because she knows we all need to eat healthier.” —Dora Danner, Assistant Principal, P.S. 17 – The Henry David Thoreau School

As improving child nutrition becomes a national priority, the Food Bank is proud of CookShop’s success in moving children and families toward a healthier lifestyle — and is working to bring the program to more communities in need.

Katherine Mancera is the Food Bank's Public Education Associate. For more information on our CookShop program go to www.foodbanknyc.or/go/CookShop, or watch our CookShop video below:

by Caitlin Buckley

From top: Alberta, a soup kitchen client and member of St. Ann's congregation; St. Ann's board member Virginia Potter catching up with congregation member Florence Taylor during soup kitchen service; Cynthia Black, a cook at St. Ann's soup kitchen; photos courtesy of Scott Waddell

The South Bronx is one of the poorest areas in the nation, and food poverty is widespread in the neighborhood of Morrisania, home of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, one of the Food Bank’s network members. For more than a century, the church has been a Bronx landmark — in fact, it is the first church in the Bronx — but St. Ann’s has grown into an innovative and esteemed community resource.

St. Ann’s operates a food pantry and soup kitchen, as well as after-school and summer programs for children, which incorporate nutrition education along with field trips, healthy snacks and exploration of the church’s vegetable garden. Cynthia, who cooks at the soup kitchen, moved to New York from the West Indies and has been a member of the St. Ann’s congregation for 20 years. “We are a family,” she says, and many members of the church both volunteer and rely on the church’s services. Alberta, a senior living on social security, first came to St. Ann’s for the food pantry and has joined the community. “I get food stamps now, so I don’t need the pantry as much, but I feel right at home here,” she says.

St. Ann’s is led by the Rev. Martha Overall, an ardent and compassionate leader in the fight against hunger. Author and educator Jonathan Kozol has chronicled her work, and Bernice King, who helps run the kitchen and after-school meal program at St. Ann’s, says, “She makes sure that we can feed everyone nutritious food…and she cares.”

Bernice is proud that St. Ann’s is helping meet the needs of its neighbors. “Whatever we have to do, we’ll do,” she says. “We have a lot of seniors who come to us, and they’re ashamed. They’ve worked their whole lives, and they don’t want to take help. But [they find] a community here.”

Originally featured in Food for Thought Spring 2010, the Food Bank's print newsletter.

by Daniel Buckley

Recipients of the Food Bank's monthly e-newsletters may remember seeing that title in their inboxes last week. The email — which introduced supporters to a New Yorker in their borough (those who live outside the city or who we don't have that information for received a Brooklyn story) — started as I began to review the Food Bank's stock of interviews with the purpose of updating the Meet the People We Help stories on our website.

I have been working at the Food Bank For New York City for close to five years now, taking part in efforts to alleviate hunger and food poverty every week (okay, I snuck a few vacations in there, but you get the point). Still, I am completely humbled every time I make it to one of our network's food assistance programs to meet just a few of the 1.4 million people who rely on emergency food in our city.

As a Food Bank supporter, whether you have donated, volunteered or spread the word, you have made a difference to the lives of hungry New Yorkers. Since, in my experience, there has been no better way to understand the truth of that statement than to listen to one of those New Yorkers, I wanted each of our supporters to be given that opportunity.

So, let me take just one more minute of your time to introduce you to Linda, a woman I met at Broooklyn's Reaching Out food pantry:

“This is the first food pantry I’ve ever come to. I lost my job about a year ago. I’ve been able to find occasional work, but I’ve been basically unemployed ever since. “I found out what hunger is. It was humbling. I lost weight. And I really learned how to stretch a dollar. I’m recently divorced, so it’s just been me trying to get by. My brother helps here and there with a small loan, but it’s not easy for him either.... “This food pantry is saving my life. I come here once a week to pick up what I need. They helped me file my taxes too. “The good news is I’ve been hired! If I’m still eligible for tax assistance I’ll come back next year, but soon I’ll able to afford my groceries again. I’m picking up a donation envelope on my way out today. I’m really looking forward to that first paycheck.”

Meet more New Yorkers you have helped by volunteering at one of our network's food assistance programs or by visiting the Food Poverty in NYC section of our website.

by Ruthy Ashkenazi

Ruthy Ashkenazi at the West Side Campaign Against Hunger's client-choice food pantry

As a senior at the Jewish Theological Seminary, I have been interning at the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) — a Food Bank network member for more than 20 years — since September through our Fellowship in Jewish Social Entrepreneurship. I would like to share with you a little bit about my experience at WSCAH as guest blogger this week!

WSCAH is a supermarket-style, client-choice food pantry that offers food and social services to those in need. Each WSCAH customer can receive a pantry bag once a month, at which time they select needed items for three days of meals for their households. Since the start of the recession, the number of households depending on WSCAH is up 30 percent. In 2009 we provided food for 790,767 meals to 87,863 people.

At WSCAH, we believe that customers should be empowered to find solutions. Our social service counselors help people find jobs, register for food stamps, get health insurance, solve credit problems and find solutions to many other challenges.

WSCAH is also invested in teaching clients to be their own advocates. Several weeks ago, WSCAH received from the Food Bank For New York City a stack of stamped postcards addressed to legislators asking them to fight funding cuts to emergency food programs. As part of my internship, I had the job of working with customers to collect signatures. In some cases I translated the postcard to Spanish to allow Hispanic clients to read what it said and decide if they wanted to provide a signature. Without any trouble, and with enthusiasm from almost everybody I spoke to, I easily gained enough signatures to send 150 postcards to legislators from WSCAH clients. We are thankful to the Food Bank for providing us with the postcards and giving us the opportunity to engage our clients in the advocacy work on their behalf.

Learn more about the West Side Campaign Against Hunger on their website and blog, or by joining their Facebook fan page. Learn more about the Food Bank For New York City’s citywide food assistance network.

Plus, check out today's guest post from Daniel Buckley, Food Bank Senior Online Communications Manger, on the WSCAH blog!