A Look Inside the 2024 Gotham Ball

On May 23, Food Bank For New York City organized a rally on the steps of City Hall to oppose possible city budget cuts to the Community Food Connection (CFC), a vital, city-funded program that provides food to over 500 food pantries and soup kitchens across New York City. Mayor Eric Adams has proposed a 50% cut in the budget to the program, which would be catastrophic for New Yorkers who rely on food assistance programs. Food Bank rallied with our friends at United Way of New York City, City Harvest, The Roundtable, NY Common Pantry, Vision Urbana, The Fortune Society, The Broadway Community, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, Project Hospitality, and Los Sures Comida to urge Mayor Adams to restore full funding for food assistance programs. Food Bank President & CEO Leslie Gordon hosted the rally. These organizations were joined by nearly one hundred advocates, direct service providers, and concerned New Yorkers who called on lawmakers to restore adequate funding for services including increased support for food pantries and soup kitchens and expanded access to grocery benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), that assist the nearly 1.2 million New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity. The message to Mayor Adams was loud and clear: stop the budget cuts and fully fund the CFC. More than one hundred advocates joined the rally. Food Bank President & CEO Leslie Gordon kicked off the rally with an impassioned speech. “We find ourselves at a critical juncture today, the mayor’s intention to cut funding for a vital food program by nearly a half closes an unprecedented threat to the fabric of our city’s food assistance network.” According to the NYC True Cost Of Living Report, half of New York City families (even when the adults in the household are working) struggle to afford essentials like healthy food, childcare, healthcare, and housing costs. The CFC provides a lifeline for families who struggle to truly afford the living costs of our city, and is an essential part of the safety net of food assistance programs that keep New Yorkers fed. Mohammad Razvi, founder of Council Of Peoples Organization, the largest halal food pantry in Brooklyn, echoed these thoughts, reminding us that “people say COVID is over, it’s all done... it’s not! Not for our folks, not for our people.” For Razi, the Mayor’s proposed cut to funding for the CFC may reflect a flawed logic that food assistance is less needed after the COVID-19 crisis, when in fact it is needed now more than ever. Mohammad Razvi address the crowd. Jessica, a Bronx resident and mother of three, spoke from the heart about managing a family on limited resources. “If you’ve ever had to stretch a dollar, you’ll understand the essence of what we often call ‘mom math,’ this isn’t your regular sum game, this is about figuring out how to make ends meet when the sums just don’t add up.” “The harsh realities of life in New York City have made [building a strong and healthy family] incredibly difficult," she continued. "Suddenly the very act of caring for my family, something as simple as ensuring there is enough baby formula or diapers feels like an up-the-hill battle. My husband, he’s in a union and recently got a raise, but ironically, that made us ineligible for SNAP and other government related benefits.” She urged the mayor and elected officials to take action: “We need your help and support, families like mine aren’t asking for miracles, we are asking for empathy and action that ensures no family in this great city has to worry about where their next meal is coming from.” Jessica (far left) shared her voice with the crowd. As part of our dynamic approach to empowering every New Yorker to achieve food security for good, Food Bank is committed to advocating for policies and programs that provide the necessary support to those in need. By calling on Mayor Adams and the City Council to secure baseline funding of $60M for the CFC, Food Bank aims to ensure New Yorkers maintain access to healthy food in the face of rising costs. Watch the video below to see our community in action at the rally: To support Food Bank’s work and sign a petition against these proposed budget cuts, click here. More about the Community Food Connection (CFC): The Community Food Connection is a city-funded program that provides food to over 500 food pantries and soup kitchens across New York City, including Food Bank’s West Harlem Community Kitchen and Food Pantry. Sources: “The 2023 True Cost of Living Report: Overlooked and Undercounted: Struggling to Make Ends Meet in New York City 2023” - United Way of New York City

On March 29, Food Bank For New York City hosted a 40th anniversary bash at the Museum of the City of New York. A joyous mix of donors, volunteers, board members, junior board members, corporate partners, Food Bankers, and even the Mayor of NYC himself Eric Adams stopped by to celebrate the milestone, enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and lively chatter as they explored the museum and its “Food in New York: Bigger than the Plate” exhibit. "It is an honor to be here with all of you to celebrate 40 years of serving the city we all love,” exclaimed Food Bank President & CEO Leslie Gordon in her welcoming remarks. “I am proud and humbled to be with you tonight.” Leslie speaking with reporters after delivering her welcoming remarks. Photo by Jared Siskin. As guests delighted in flavorful bites from the Eat Offbeat catering team and tunes from DJ Kristaval, many reflected on the history of Food Bank and their connection to its work. “I’m just thrilled to be here,” shared Michelle Kamen, a supporter who has been giving to Food Bank for three years. “It’s amazing to be part of an organization like this that does so much good for others.” When asked what keeps her excited about being part of the Food Bank family, Michelle’s answer was simple: the mission. “I recently got to go to a Food Bank Mobile Pantry distribution in East Harlem and it was wonderful getting to connect with the people we serve,” she explained. “Everyone was so happy to see us there giving out food and I was so happy to be some small part of the work.” Guests gather in the foyer before exploring exclusive access to exhibits on the first and second floors. Photo by Jared Siskin. Jennifer Brogan, the Director of External Communications & Community Relations at Stop & Shop, shared a similar sentiment, talking about the impact that Food Bank and Stop & Shop have been able to make together over the years. “Stop & Shop has been a longtime partner of Food Bank, giving both food that is unsold from our stores as well as monetary support. What keeps us connected to the mission is the simple fact that the need for food across the five boroughs is so high.” “We operate grocery stores all over the city, and we see firsthand just how real the problem is,” she continued. “But when we partner with Food Bank, we get to help bring fresh produce and other goods into food deserts, into the neighborhoods that need us most. It’s an incredibly rewarding partnership because we know we’re making a real difference.” Food Bank Board Member Lary Stromfeld (right) chatting with one of our newest Food Bank Board Members, Ted Segal. Photo by Jared Siskin. But the night wasn’t all small talk and champagne – it also included a surprise visit from Mayor Eric Adams who presented a special proclamation to Food Bank in honor of its 40th anniversary. Mayor Eric Adams speaking about Food Bank For New York City. Photo by Jared Siskin. “The conversation about food is something that is extremely dear to me,” said Mayor Adams. “And what I love about Food Bank is that you all have continued to evolve over the years to fill in the gaps for our neighbors.” “During COVID, I saw you all on the frontlines bringing food to pantries,” he continued. “You have to dig deep during times of crisis, and that’s exactly what you all did. Do you know how many families would not have been able to meet their basic needs if they didn’t have you? Thank you for all that you do.” After his remarks, Mayor Adams revealed the proclamation, officially naming March 29 “Food Bank For New York City” day. It was an honor to share the stage with the mayor of our great city, and we look forward to continuing to work with him and his team to fight food insecurity for all New Yorkers. Leslie receiving the proclamation from Mayor Adams on behalf of Food Bank For New York City. Photo by Jared Siskin. As the night wore on and the music continued to play, screens throughout the space showed a livestream of the Empire State Building, which had been lit up with Food Bank’s signature oranges and blues in honor of the occasion. A fitting end to a night all about celebrating 40 years of Food Bank serving the greatest city in the world. A special thanks to the Museum of the City of New York for hosting us and to Great Performances for catering the event with their “Eat Offbeat” team, which is made up of refugee and immigrant chefs on a mission to show how much better life can be when we add new flavors to the food we eat. Thank you again to all of our attendees and to the staff behind the scenes who made this a night we won't soon forget. And please, enjoy more event photos below! Photo by Jared Siskin. Photo by Jared Siskin.Photo by Jared Siskin.Photo by Jared Siskin. Photo by Jared Siskin. Photo by Jared Siskin.

On May 10, Food Bank For New York City took over the Plaza Hotel to host our inaugural Gotham Ball. More than just a party, this event was a celebration of New York City and its Food Bank, featuring delectable bites from some of the city's most notable chefs. The star-studded crowd not only enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the Plaza's iconic Palm Court and Terrace Room, but also got the chance to bid on exclusive auction items, learn about our work, and, of course, dance the night away. Photo courtesy of Phillip Van Nostrand. As guests arrived, they walked through a rose-gilded turnstile into a special F-train subway car designed to transport them into the heart of the Gotham Ball. Photo courtesy of Phillip Van Nostrand. On the other side, they discovered live music, signature cocktails, and innovative spins on some of the city's most classic dishes (from deli-style reuben sandwiches to black & white macaroons and street dogs garnished with caviar). Photos courtesy of Phillip Van Nostrand. After sampling bites from our amazing team of chefs and mixologists, guests gathered to hear remarks from WABC-TV Eyewitness News Anchor Sade Baderinwa and Emmy Award-nominated comedian and actor Tracy Morgan. Both touched on their personal connections to our work, encouraging the audience to join them in the fight to feed and nourish all New Yorkers. Longtime Food Bank friend Tracy Morgan. Photo courtesy of Phillip Van Nostrand. Food Bank President & CEO Leslie Gordon then took the stage, thanking our guests for coming and speaking to the power of their generosity. As I stand here looking out over this crowd of Food Bank supporters, colleagues, partners, and friends, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. When I stepped into the role of President & CEO of Food Bank For New York City in March 2020, I could have never guessed that one day we would get to share in a night like this. In many ways, as I look out into this beautiful crowd, I see my own journey at Food Bank reflected back to me in the faces of those who empowered, uplifted, and even challenged me as we worked to feed a city in crisis. Thank you for powering our mission to serve the greatest city in the world. Food Bank President & CEO Leslie Gordon. Photo courtesy of Phillip Van Nostrand. Fired up and ready to go, the crowd dove into our live auction, bidding on a range of items from a private dinner at NYC hot spot Ci Siamo to an exclusive box suite viewing experience at a summertime Yankees game. Food Bank Board Chair Seraina Macia. Photo courtesy of Phillip Van Nostrand. Once the auction was done, it was time to grab the bubbly and dance. As members of our extended Food Bank family moved throughout the space, we couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for their tireless support of our mission. At the Gotham Ball alone, we were able to raise enough funds to provide nearly 5 million meals for our neighbors in need! Truly, a night we won't soon forget. Want to join us at our next event? Click here to see all of our upcoming opportunities. A special thanks to all of our Gotham Ball culinary partners, including the teams from Atoboy, Atomix, Naro; Sylvia's; Nom Wah; Little Owl; Maison Premiere; Gage & Tollner; Smith & Wollensky; Dante; S&P; Rafs; Crif Dogs & PDT; Maialino; and PopUp Bagels.