Nothing Stops Rafaela
Rafaela left her home country of Venezuela with a suitcase of dreams. Leaving everything and everyone she loved behind wasn't easy, but the choice was one she had to...
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Food Insecurity |
Nothing Stops Rafaela
Rafaela left her home country of Venezuela with a suitcase of dreams. Leaving everything and everyone she loved behind wasn't easy, but the choice was one she had to...
Rafaela left her home country of Venezuela with a suitcase of dreams. Leaving everything and everyone she loved behind wasn't easy, but the choice was one she had to make. When she arrived in New York City, she struggled to find her footing, but eventually discovered a sense of home at Food Bank's Warehouse & Distribution Center in the Bronx. Help us get period products, hygiene essentials, and childcare resources to women and girls in need! Rafaela working an early morning shift at Food Bank's Warehouse & Distribution Center in the Bronx. As a Warehouse Professional, Rafaela spends her days getting food to our neighbors all across the five boroughs. Long hours of heavy lifting, operating fork lifts, and utilizing pallet jacks can be exhausting, but Rafaela says she's proud to give back to a city and a country that has given her so many opportunities. "When you hit rock bottom, you learn to value every single thing you have," she told us. "It's a sense of gratitude you keep in your heart. I want to show myself every day that I can do it... I have no limits - the sky is the limit." Rafaela loading cases of shelf-stable goods at Food Bank's Warehouse & Distribution Center in the Bronx. We caught up with Rafaela during one of her shifts to learn more about her fighting spirit to empower every New Yorker to achieve food security for good. Hit play and meet her below: Join us in celebrating the women we serve and those who power our mission every day at this link. Together, we can make progress on a more hopeful, dignified, and equitable future for ALL. -
Food Insecurity |
Liz in the Warehouse
Elizabeth Romano is the Senior Director of Operations at Food Bank For New York City's Warehouse & Distribution Center in the Bronx. Each day, she shows up early and...
Elizabeth Romano is the Senior Director of Operations at Food Bank For New York City's Warehouse & Distribution Center in the Bronx. Each day, she shows up early and leaves late to make sure life-changing produce, hygiene products, and shelf-stable goods reach the homes of those who need them most. Help us get period products, hygiene essentials, and childcare resources to women and girls in need! Elizabeth Romano at Food Bank's Warehouse & Distribution Center in the Bronx. When Liz was growing up with five siblings in the Bronx, that home was her own, and she recalls waiting on long pantry lines with her mother to get food for their family. But at the time, she didn't even realize that's what they were doing, as the pantry workers always treated them with such warmth, dignity, and respect. Elizabeth with her younger siblings. Now, Liz gets to return that energy right back to the city she loves. "At the end of the night, I know that our work helped feed somebody today," she told us. "Our donors help any sibling that has to go out and stand in a pantry line with their parent... it can be anything that changes your life." Hit play and meet Liz below: Join us in celebrating the women we serve and those who power our mission every day at this link. Together, we can make progress on a more hopeful, dignified, and equitable future for ALL. -
Food Insecurity |
Sha-Quana on a Mission
When Sha-Quana was 19, she found herself in a shelter with her baby girl. Times were tough and there were moments when she had only $10 to her name. How would she spend...
When Sha-Quana was 19, she found herself in a shelter with her baby girl. Times were tough and there were moments when she had only $10 to her name. How would she spend the money? Would she buy a sandwich to feed herself or baby formula for her daughter? You know what choice she made and know that it wasn't a choice at all. Help us get period products, hygiene essentials, and childcare resources to women and girls in need! Sha-Quana Cromwell at Food Bank's Community Kitchen & Food Pantry in Harlem. But things started to turn around when Sha-Quana got a job at Food Bank's Community Kitchen in West Harlem. At first, it was just a paycheck, but it soon turned into something more. Helping to prepare hundreds of meals a day for New Yorkers in need brought a light into Sha-Quana's life. As she says, she's now on a mission. Sha-Quana with Food Bank Culinary Manager Chef Sheri. To learn more about Sha-Quana and see her in action helping to prepare the hundreds of meals we serve a day at our Community Kitchen, click play below: Join us in celebrating the women we serve and those who power our mission every day at this link. Together, we can make progress on a more hopeful, dignified, and equitable future for ALL. -
Food Insecurity |
Empower Her, Elevate All
Running from March 1 to May 1 each year, Food Bank's Woman to Woman campaign is all about raising funds to provide women and girls facing food insecurity with the period...
Running from March 1 to May 1 each year, Food Bank's Woman to Woman campaign is all about raising funds to provide women and girls facing food insecurity with the period products, hygiene essentials, and childcare resources they need to thrive. To support this work, we run ads throughout the city featuring women and girls proudly served by Food Bank member agencies. At this year's photoshoot, we met Jessica, who came to us on the recommendation of our friends at The HopeLine in the Bronx. Jessica showed up early, ready to offer her voice and perspective to the campaign. When we started talking to her, it was clear that she had a story to share, one rooted in struggling to feed her family of five amidst cuts to her benefits and the rising costs of everything from baby formula to diapers and topical cream. Jessica at Food Bank's Community Kitchen & Food Pantry with her daughter. Jessica is just one of many New Yorkers fighting to make ends meet, not only for herself, but for her family. By supporting Food Bank's Woman to Woman campaign, you can help fill in the gaps for women like Jessica all across the five boroughs. Meet Jessica and hear her story below: In a city that never gives up on its people, we’re committed to delivering services and solutions that empower everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. We want to change what's possible today so that the women and girls we proudly serve can take charge of their stories and chart new paths for the future. Join us in this work today and you can help us give for good. -
Seniors |
Celebrating Black History through Art
In honor of this year's Black History Month theme "African Americans and the Arts," we gathered with community members of our Older Adults Program to create an art piece...
In honor of this year's Black History Month theme "African Americans and the Arts," we gathered with community members of our Older Adults Program to create an art piece celebrating iconic Black trailblazers from Alvin Ailey to Muhammad Ali, Shirley Chisholm, and more. "At Food Bank's Neighborhood Community Center, we do activities throughout the year to help us honor and learn more about Black history," said Charles Martinez, Manager of Food Bank's Neighborhood Community Center. "This art piece in particular is great because it's a project we can all work on together to commemorate some pretty amazing leaders." Community members working on a group art project at Food Bank's Community Kitchen & Food Pantry in Harlem. The piece was conceived by artist David Husney, who frequents Food Bank's Older Adults Program as a participant and volunteer. "Charles asked me if I wanted to do something for Black History Month, so I picked some of my favorite pioneers to highlight," Husney explained. "As people have been walking around the painting, they've been adding color to the canvas and talking about all the different leaders. It's as much a social event as an art project." For David, community art brings together people better than almost anything else can, especially when it's centered on celebrating and uplifting the history of a people. David (left) with a fellow community member. While we're not quite sure where this beauty will hang in our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry just yet, we do know this won't be the last art project we work on with our older adults this year. "Having the ability to express yourself artistically through painting, through song, through dance is so important, which is why we regularly incorporate it into our programming," says Martinez. "Our art projects are always really popular with our community members, and they're also culturally relevant, allowing folks to explore their identities." "Ultimately, working on an art project like this provides an organic way for people to get to know each other better and to share their knowledge and experiences with each other." All are welcome to enjoy fun activities at our Neighborhood Community Center in Harlem! Food Bank For New York City's Older Adults Program provides a safe space for older New Yorkers to gather for fellowship, fun activities, and delicious food. Learn more about the program, here. -
Ambassadors |
Kenan Thompson, Charlamagne tha God visit Food Bank
Published August 24, 2023 Earlier this week, we were thrilled to welcome fitness guru Isaac Boots, entertainment mogul Charlamagne tha God, and Saturday Night Live star...
Published August 24, 2023 Earlier this week, we were thrilled to welcome fitness guru Isaac Boots, entertainment mogul Charlamagne tha God, and Saturday Night Live star Kenan Thompson to our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry in West Harlem! The trio chatted with Food Bank For New York City staff, learned about our mission to empower every New Yorker to achieve food security for good, and even got to meet some of the community members we proudly serve. Learn more about their visit below! Isaac Boots packing food in Food Bank For New York City's Community Kitchen. Kenan arrived first, meeting Food Bank's Culinary Manager Sheri Jefferson and Community Kitchen Director Sultana Ocasio. The three discussed the ins and outs of service at our kitchen, providing both a brief overview of our mission and a tour of our facilities. Chef Sheri then presented Kenan with a box of her world-famous Chocolate Chip Cookies. Kenan Thompson receiving a box of homemade cookies from Chef Sheri. After introductions were made, Kenan got to work serving lunch to our Food Bank seniors. They were as delighted to meet him as he was to meet them, and the beloved SNL star made a point to stop and chat with all those enjoying meal service that day. Kenan Thompson serving seniors at Food Bank For New York City's Community Kitchen. Afterwards, celebrity fitness trainer and humanitarian Isaac Boots came through with a group of his friends. They got to work immediately, heading to the kitchen to pack bags for senior meal service. Later, they participated in our pantry distribution, which serves hundreds of New Yorkers each day. Isaac himself struggled with food insecurity when he was younger, so was proud to give back to the community alongside his dear friends. "I’m here today to take care of the city I love because it took care of me," said Isaac of his experience serving with Food Bank. "Growing up on food stamps, I live a very different life now but I can never forget that. It's amazing to bring my friends here today and share our gratitude with all of you for everything you do for New York City." Isaac Boots serving at our daily pantry distribution. Near the end of the day, Charlamagne visited the kitchen to liaise with Food Bank staff and get a bird's eye view of our mission. Committed to using his platform for good, he wanted to learn more about what we do so that he could help us reach more and more New Yorkers. Charlamagne tha God posing with Food Bank Staff. A huge thanks to Isaac Boots, Charlamagne tha God, and Kenan Thompson for visiting our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry in West Harlem. We look forward to seeing you again and know our neighbors loved meeting you! See how you can make a difference like Isaac, Charlamagne, and Kenan by checking out our current volunteer opportunities at https://volunteer.foodbanknyc.org/. -
Partying with Purpose at Food Bank's Gotham Ball
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...
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. -
Food Assistance |
Meet the Food Bank Running Team!
Food Bank For New York City is proud to once again be the official charity partner of the SHAPE + Health Women’s Half-Marathon, the largest women’s-only half-marathon in...
Food Bank For New York City is proud to once again be the official charity partner of the SHAPE + Health Women’s Half-Marathon, the largest women’s-only half-marathon in the United States. As thousands of women gather to run the Central Park Loop on April 30, Food Bank will be on the ground raising awareness about our "Woman to Woman" campaign, which serves the estimated 1 million women and girls facing poverty in NYC. We'll also be running with our very own Food Bank team! Ahead of race day, we decided to chat with a few of our runners to learn about why they decided to team up with Food Bank. Read the conversation below! What inspired you to join the Food Bank running team? Emily Feigelman, Food Bank Donor Relations Coordinator: I'm incredibly grateful and extremely lucky to be able to work for Food Bank For New York City, and I love that Food Bank is the official charity partner of the SHAPE + Health Women's Half Marathon for the second year in a row. I signed up to participate because I love running and I love Food Bank! I'm also concurrently running a fundraiser for Food Bank based on the number of miles I'm running, and I'm thrilled that I can engage my extended network in our community and our mission. Taylor Edwards: What empowered me was the fact that we are running for a great cause. We are not just running a half marathon; we are running for the purpose of helping humanity. I’ve become more consciously aware of the food shortage here and around the globe since COVID, young girls like me not having healthy food to eat daily. There are a lot of young girls and women who are not living in good conditions, I would like to give them an opportunity for a better life. Madison Rupert: I've dedicated my professional life to helping mission-driven organizations change the world - and have been a huge fan of the Food Bank for many years. I wanted to get involved initially as a team member, but when the job listing closed, I came across this running opportunity and couldn't pass it up. Thus, my flight was booked and tight 4-week training regime began to join the team in Central Park for this incredible event. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to channel my passion for serving underserved populations professionally, and love for running personally, into a goal to serve the common good. Alessandra Simkin, Food Bank Junior Board Member: As long as people are facing food insecurity, I am ready to do what I can – big and small – to raise awareness. Joining the team gave me the opportunity to fundraise to support the Woman to Woman campaign. I’m grateful to all the people that have contributed and for the fact that I can do this. Thank you so much to everyone who is supporting me and this amazing campaign. A Woman to Woman hygiene kit packed with period products and hygiene essentials. How do you overcome challenges? Kimberly Ingram: I overcome challenges with a lot of prayer and self reflection, seeing where I can make changes in myself to contribute to whatever the issue is for the better. Alison West: A can-do attitude helps! I love a challenge! Hard work and perseverance are key. Madison: Overcoming any challenge starts with the belief "I can, and I will." My personal mantra has empowered me to overcome barriers of self-doubt and fight through the "pain cave" of running (and of life) to reach my fullest potential so I may help others reach theirs. What does community mean to you? Emily: Community means being positively involved and engaged in places you live, work, and enjoy. It's about advocating for, building relationships with, and redistributing resources to your neighbors, friends, family, and colleagues. It's about giving back and giving forward. To me, that looks like being a supporting member of a powerful, capable, and sincere team at my job, volunteering at my local Food Bank Member Agency soup kitchen and at my co-op grocery store, spending quality time, in person and virtually, with my roommates and my family, and financially supporting restaurants and businesses in my neighborhood. Taylor: My community is a space where I can grow, reflect, and share experiences with others who may or may not look like me, but at the end of the day, are still all part of something in some way. Alison: Essentially, it’s a feeling of home. And to me, I want to join those in the community to make things better, and for it to feel like “home” to those joining me in the community. Working together for a purpose! Meet Felicia and her daughter, who joined us at our Woman to Woman ad-campaign photo shoot. There are currently 1 million women and girls living in poverty right here in New York City. How can we stand up to support them? Alessandra: As a mother, a woman, and a New Yorker, it’s all about getting involved to lift up all women. I love New York and when women thrive, our city thrives. That’s why I’m doing this run, and why my commitment will continue on after it’s all over. Madison: Radical change doesn't just happen -- it is called to action by courageous people who force our leaders to recognize the millions of women and children who are denied the human right to housing and hunger-free lives. Public events, advocacy, and demanding systems change starts with us. This run is a great way to remind our elected leaders of the importance of investing in all walks of life that make NYC the beautiful treasure-trove of diversity that it is. Kimberly: I think it's all about helping to meet people’s immediate needs, be it housing or food, and then taking it further with education, so someone in need has a way to improve their way of life. We are beyond grateful for all of the amazing runners who will be repping Food Bank at this month's SHAPE + Health Women's Half Marathon! To learn more about the big day (and Food Bank's Woman to Woman campaign) click this link. And if you're running in the race, make sure to stop by the Race Day Festival to say hello! -
Food Insecurity |
Taking a Firm Stance Against Hunger
Food Bank For New York City is proud to announce that our 2023 Justice Served campaign has officially come to an end. A huge thanks to our friends in NYC's legal...
Food Bank For New York City is proud to announce that our 2023 Justice Served campaign has officially come to an end. A huge thanks to our friends in NYC's legal community for mobilizing their resources and networks to help support our mission to feed and nourish all New Yorkers. Take a peek at the infographic below to see the impact we made together for our neighbors across the five boroughs: Justice Served is an effort led by New York City’s legal community to close the meal gap in our great city. By donating funds and volunteering, firms and employees help Food Bank For New York City distribute more meals to our neighbors in need. To learn more about the campaign (and see how YOU and your team can get involved), click this link.
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