
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...
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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. -
A Magical Night at the Museum
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...
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. -
Food Insecurity |
Finding Hope at the Girls Club
Food Bank For New York City launched Woman to Woman in 2016 with chef, author, and Food Bank Board Member Katie Lee Biegel. The award-winning campaign raises critical...
Food Bank For New York City launched Woman to Woman in 2016 with chef, author, and Food Bank Board Member Katie Lee Biegel. The award-winning campaign raises critical funds to assemble and distribute hygiene kits packed with pads, tampons, panty liners, diapers, deodorant, and soap to women and girls facing poverty in New York City. But what do these New Yorkers look like? Well, for 2023, we wanted to put a face to the initiative by featuring some of these women and girls in a public awareness campaign that will run online and across the streets of NYC from now until April 30. One of the participants, Felicia, visited set with her daughter, and the dynamic duo lit up the room with their enthusiasm, warmth, and zest for life. We spoke with Felicia to learn more about her story and how finding her way to the Lower Eastside Girls Club (a Food Bank member agency serving girls in downtown Manhattan) was a saving grace for her and her daughter. Read the full interview below! Felicia (left) and her daughter in one of our Woman to Woman ads. So, to start, are you a native New Yorker? I was actually born in Charleston, South Carolina to two wonderful parents. I come from a family that served in the Military on my father’s side and, on my mother’s side, I come from a line of great cooks, seamstresses, and builders. I moved to New York City with my mom when I was five. She was a single mother then and we moved into Brooklyn. I hear you’re connected to the Lower Eastside Girls Club... how long have you been going there? I’ve been married twice, and we got to know the Girls Club when my daughter and I were living in a shelter three years ago. I asked God to send a mentor to help my daughter through this really tough time separating from her father, I was going through so many different emotions. And little did I know that there was a safe haven right around the corner from us... the Girls Club. Finding the Girls Club helped my daughter get her self-esteem back. She found love with the women there, the mentors and friends she found there, who provided her with information and resources. I wanted to say goodbye to the world at the time, but the Girls Club gave me and my daughter hope. She made friends and had her mind and spirit exposed to all different sorts of activities. My daughter is an artist by nature, so she loves all of the art classes she can take. The Girls Club is just one of the best things that has ever happened to us Felicia (left) and her daughter at our Woman to Woman shoot. What made you want to join our Woman to Woman photo shoot? Personal hygiene is all about self-love and respect. As a woman, it’s very important. I remember when I was young... I was living with my aunt and her three daughters who were all around the same age. Believe you me, we did not always have access to period products in our home. Sometimes we had to use toilet paper, and if we didn’t have that, we used a cloth. It was debilitating and embarrassing. When you don’t have these products, you can’t go to school or even go outside. You just keep it quiet as can be. Throughout my life, when I haven’t been able to afford these products, it’s been humiliating and devastating. And so one of the things I love about the Girls Club is that when I went into their bathroom for the first time, I saw all the products there – the tampons, the cute little packages you could put in your purse. This is how you show love, care, and awareness. Some girls may not have this in their house because the items are so expensive! Astronomically expensive! I’m a home health attendant and I have to go buy diapers and pads for my clients and I’m like, whoa! Who can afford these things? I remember growing up, I would usually get my tampons at school and not from home because my mom didn’t have the money or she would forget. It’s important to have these things in public spaces because people need them, and so they should be available. In 2023, we should not be embarrassed about this anymore. What hopes do you have for your daughter? My hope is that she really loves herself. Self-love, self-awareness is so important. I want the best for all of my kids and I’m behind them, no matter what they want to be. If you want to be a dancer, a designer, an artist, be the best that you can be. I worry that I don’t always have enough money or time to help push my daughter, but that’s why I rely on groups and programming to help fill in the gaps. I hope that she will be confident to fulfill her goals and know that her mother and her sister are behind her 100 percent. I want her to wake up and enjoy every day with peace and solitude and community around her. A huge thanks to Felicia for speaking with us and to all the women who joined us at our photo shoot! For more on our Woman to Woman campaign (and to see how YOU can help us provide thousands of hygiene kits to our neighbors across the five boroughs) click this link. -
Filling Plates & Hearts with Ms. Peggy Allen
Antioch Outreach is a Food Bank member agency that has been serving the Harlem community since 2008. The program was started by Ms. Peggy Allen, a Louisiana native who’s...
Antioch Outreach is a Food Bank member agency that has been serving the Harlem community since 2008. The program was started by Ms. Peggy Allen, a Louisiana native who’s been living in New York City for the better part of her life. It had been a dream of hers to start a pantry once she retired, an idea sparked by watching her single mother feed and take care of herself and her ten siblings. As Ms. Peggy is fond of saying, “You have to eat to stay alive!” We got the chance to catch up with Ms. Peggy earlier this month to learn all about how she fills plates and hearts for her community. Read the interview below. Ms. Peggy with members of the community. How did your agency get started? I retired in 2008 and decided to look into what it would require to open up a food pantry for my community. It had always been my desire to do something like that, but I couldn’t get involved until I finished my job. I have been a member of this church [Antioch Church of God in Christ] since 1961, so I have had a connection to this building and ministry for decades; now, I get to give back through a pantry of my own. To learn the ropes, I served as a volunteer at a food pantry down the road. I visited one day and stayed for two years. The team lead would tell me, “Oh, do this, don’t do that... “ she really taught me everything I know about running a pantry. What inspired you to start serving your community? I was born in Mississippi and raised in New Orleans by a single mother. There were 11 of us, so times were definitely hard. I can’t say that we went to bed hungry, but I also can’t say that we had bacon and eggs every day. What I can say is that my mother kept us together when she could have separated us. Whatever I am, you see her now. What I learned from my mother is that you are never so poor that you can’t help somebody else, even if it’s someone in your own family. That purpose was put in me early, so I have always had a desire to have this kind of ministry. I don’t have to be behind the pulpit, but I know I have to help others. It was put in my spirit – this is the way for me to go. The highlight of our week growing up was when my mom would go to the bakery and get bread and honey buns for the family. We were always so excited to get this small treat. That’s how I serve people, why I want to serve people. I want to give them a highlight of their own. The line outside of Antioch Outreach on their weekly pantry service day, where they’ll serve upwards of 300 New Yorkers. How has your pantry grown since you first started? When I first started, my goal was to feed 50 people a week. At the beginning, we were only able to serve onions and potatoes. I thought, “If I can just reach 50 people, I’ll be happy.” We quickly blew past that goal and, before COVID, we were serving nearly 500 people a week. Since we reopened last February, I’d say we’re serving an average of 300 people a week. Since reopening, our demographic has changed. We’ve seen an influx of immigrant communities visiting our pantry, which was challenging at first in terms of communication. But we’ve started to bring in translators to help us communicate better with all the different types of New Yorkers on our line. What are some of your community needs? It’s a very low-income community. They need basics – clothing, food. I’m known as “begging Peggy” because I’m always working to see how I can get my neighbors what they need. And what they need is everything. I remember once when a volunteer of ours saw a man on the subway with a walker that had three wheels when it should have had four. She told this man to follow her to the church and we would get him a walker. When that man eventually left, it was worth whatever we went through – all of the sacrifices – to get that walker for him. I encourage people to ask me for what they need. If I don’t have it, I’ll try to get it. I just try to show an interest in every person that comes through our door. A person can come to us for food and I can see that they need new shoes, even if they won’t admit it. So, instead of asking them if they want shoes, I simply ask, “What size shoe do you wear?” Nobody wants to be looked down upon, so I ask about the size, and the next time they come in, I’ll have the shoes ready for them. If you can show people you care like that – if the spirit of your giving comes from a place of genuine interest in their well-being – you've got them, you’ve captivated them. You build trust by the way you treat people, by the kindness you show. Very few people can reject kindness. A guy came in once who was just out of jail. He was acting ashamed, so I said, “But you’re out! Now, tell me, what do you need?” If you are in this business, be in it. For me, it’s all about helping someone feel better about themselves. At Food Bank, we are proud to provide food and other resources to organizations like Antioch Outreach that are doing the work to feed our neighbors every day. To learn more about how YOU can help bring a plate to the table for New Yorkers like Ms. Peggy and her team, click here. Together, we can make sure that all of our neighbors have what they need to celebrate the holidays with the dignity they deserve. -
Bring a Plate to the Table
This year, Food Bank’s holiday campaign is “Bring a Plate to the Table.” For us, this phrase encapsulates everything we're about – making sure our neighbors have what...
This year, Food Bank’s holiday campaign is “Bring a Plate to the Table.” For us, this phrase encapsulates everything we're about – making sure our neighbors have what they need to fill their tables with fresh, nutritious food for themselves and their families. While this is our mission all year long, it takes on new relevance during the holiday season, when an empty plate or missed meal can feel that much more isolating for those already struggling to make ends meet. Think of the holiday dishes you love, the ones you make every year, the ones passed down over generations that become symbols of who you are and where you come from. Think of the memories connected to those dishes, how a single bite of pecan pie can bring you back to the first time you watched your grandmother make it in the family kitchen. How even in the years after she’s gone – when you are the one making the pie – that bite will remind you of how fiercely you were loved. There is no price for a feeling like that and it is one that everyone deserves. Our tables aren’t just places where we eat meals; they are where we make our memories, where we come to laugh and cry and make sense of the world around us. The power of that is easy to take for granted when you’ve never gone without it, but one that is impossible not to miss when it vanishes in the blink of an eye. “Bring a Plate to the Table,” then, is a call to you to help us restore that power for the estimated 1.6 million New Yorkers fighting to feed themselves and their families. It is a call to join us in nourishing that great communal table at which we all sit. As our President & CEO Leslie Gordon is fond of saying, “Rising tides float all boats.” The livelihood of one of us depends on all of us, and it is vital that we never lose sight of that. So, how can you bring a plate to the table for our neighbors this holiday season? You can donate to our 40 Million Meals campaign, which seeks to provide 40 million meals to New Yorkers in need by year’s end. You can sign up for a volunteer shift in our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry, where you’ll help stock pantry shelves and pack meal bags for our neighbors in Harlem. You can also use your voice to urge lawmakers to advocate for policies that fight hunger across our city and state. Simply put, there are several ways to give back – all you have to do is choose the one that’s right for you. We thank you in advance for powering our mission to feed and nourish ALL New Yorkers. We couldn’t do what we do without you. -
Inside the Mission: Portraits of Promise
"Portraits of Promise" is a new initiative at Food Bank For New York City, and one powered by a simple premise: On special occasions throughout the year, Food Bank will...
"Portraits of Promise" is a new initiative at Food Bank For New York City, and one powered by a simple premise: On special occasions throughout the year, Food Bank will provide professional portraits to our neighbors as a keepsake they can cherish for years and generations to come. Professional photography can be prohibitively expensive for many of the New Yorkers we serve, so this is a way for us to "go beyond food" in our service to the city we all call home. To learn more about the program, I sat down with Dr. Camesha Grant, Food Bank's Vice President of Community Impact & Investment, who came up with the idea for "Portraits of Promise" when ordering school portraits for her 11-year-old daughter. "It was the beginning of the school year and my daughter was taking photos," she explained. "I was completing the package to order the pictures and I saw that several of the different photo packages and products were well over $100. Suddenly it hit me — how do people who are food insecure get professional photos of themselves and their families? Between food and photos, many people will choose food, so they're not able to preserve these amazing memories of their loved ones. I immediately thought, we have to do something about this." Read the full interview with Dr. Grant below! Martha Mae, a regular of Food Bank's Senior Program who visited our Valentine's Day shoot. What is the power of a portrait? It's the power to preserve precious moments, to have a keepsake you can pass down to your children and your children's children. The cost of living in New York City forces many of the families we serve to move across the five boroughs to different homes, so having a steady family portrait to hang on any wall in any home is priceless. It's a constant reminder of who our neighbors are and where they come from, something that immediately represents home and love. It's a simple thing to carry with you across the journey of life. What would you say to someone if they ask why a hunger-relief organization like ours is providing this service? Everyone deserves the opportunity to preserve memories — everyone, regardless of their housing or financial status. They should have the opportunity to capture moments of love and fun through photography, to have those images to look back on when times get tough. At Food Bank, we endeavor to serve the whole individual, to nourish their bodies, their minds, and their spirits. With more and more New Yorkers being forced to the pantry line each day, we don’t always get the opportunity to know every person who visits our Community Kitchen, to hear their stories. But when people come in and get behind the camera for a “Portraits of Promise” session, we get to see our neighbors come to life. We get to know them, get to see them, get to reaffirm that we are here for them. These are everyday New Yorkers. In so many ways, this initiative is about breaking down the stigmas of who we serve. They’re people just like you and me with personalities, emotions, stories, and journeys to share. Gregory wearing his signature bow tie and suit at our Valentine's Day shoot. Are there any stories or moments from this project that stick out to you? There was one woman named Harlem at our Valentine’s Day shoot. She was standing on line waiting for supper when I approached her and asked if she'd like to take a photograph. She was so excited to join us! She came inside and suddenly transformed, taking the opportunity to look good and feel good. She got behind the camera and presented like a model, so gracious and fun to work with. And of course, Gregory, one of our regular senior visitors to the Community Kitchen & Food Pantry. Gregory has always been very dapper, loves coming in with a bowtie and suit. To learn that this was the first photograph he'd had taken of himself since 1972 was such a surprise and one that reminded me of how important this program is. How do you see this initiative growing? I think there are a ton of different ways "Portraits of Promise" could grow! This past August, we partnered with an organization that teaches children living in shelters how to swim. We provided packed lunches for the kids and also took portraits of them learning how to swim for their families. It was a way for us to take this program out of the studio and into the streets, allowing us to capture those precious milestone moments for the New Yorkers we proudly serve. To learn more about "Portraits of Promise," click this link, where you'll find stories from New Yorkers we've profiled and updates about when the next shoot will be happening! -
Meeting the Needs of our Migrant Neighbors
Over the past few months, thousands of migrants have been bussed to New York City from the states of Texas and Arizona. Our friends at United Way of New York City...
Over the past few months, thousands of migrants have been bussed to New York City from the states of Texas and Arizona. Our friends at United Way of New York City estimate that nearly 19,000 migrants have arrived, 75 percent of whom have entered the city’s shelter system. These numbers are only expected to grow over the coming months, posing our city with the ultimate question: How do we rise up to serve and protect our new neighbors? For community members like Teresa Concepcion (founder of “The Red Door Place,” a Food Bank member pantry in Manhattan), the answer to that question has been developing itself in real time. “A month ago, I was put in contact with a shelter in Brooklyn that was drowning,” she recently told us. “They had begun to house 200 new arrivals, including 12 large families, many of whom had family members that were ill and needed assistance, including a set of twins on dialysis and chemo. In a matter of moments, we struck up an agreement and I began sending them what non-perishable food items and resources I had.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Red Door Place (@thereddoorplace) Teresa (above) was quick to point out that this is a Women and Children’s shelter, which means that fathers are not permitted to stay with their families. When asked where they would have to go instead, she explained that many would turn to the streets, in yet another form of separation for those that have already been through so much. How does she know this? Because word has spread fast that The Red Door Place is a safe space to receive food and these fathers have been visiting her weekly food distributions. “They are always very cautious when they first approach us,” she says. “They usually come in small groups and ask what kind of paperwork they need to visit the pantry. It takes a while to explain that they don’t need paperwork, that they can get the food they need for free without worry.” While Teresa is determined to continue supporting her newest clients, she admits that the strain on her resources is overwhelming. “Even before these new folks started visiting the pantry, our regular visitors had gone up from 400 to 650 a week. When you add in the migrant visitors, the numbers have nearly doubled in the span of a month and a half.” To fill in the gaps, she has leaned on a network of supporters and nurses in the neighborhood to provide her with the extra diapers, menstrual products, birth control, toiletries, and personal hygiene essentials these families need. But even with all this extra support, she knows it’s only a band-aid solution. “Now my mind goes to winter,” she explains. “How are we going to keep all of these people warm? I usually manage to give my regular clients a coat and gloves each year, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do that for the growing number of migrants my program is supporting. I don’t want to turn anyone away, but don’t know what to do.” When asked about the new arrivals visiting her pantry, Teresa says they are just “shell-shocked.” “They are going day to day, that is the only way to describe how they’re making it through right now. They’re literally just thinking of the moment. They’re not even angry yet – they're scared and lost.” To make her point, Teresa shared an anecdote about a young migrant woman staying at the shelter. She had not been feeling well, but had been hesitant to talk to the shelter director. Eventually, it turned out that she was pregnant and worried that admitting that might cause her to lose her housing. As Teresa commented: “How bad does it have to be – how scared do you have to be – not to admit something like that?” View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Red Door Place (@thereddoorplace) Mayor Eric Adams himself announced earlier this month that we are in a state of emergency and must move quickly to support new arrivals to our city. It is vital that they are housed, that they are fed, that they are made to feel safe and welcome in their new home. We at Food Bank are proud to provide food and other resources to community members like Teresa who are on the ground fighting to do just that. Times of crisis test us all, and it’s everyday folks like Teresa and her team at The Red Door Place that remind us of how powerful we can be when we rise up together. For more on how YOU can uplift our city’s newest neighbors, click this link. Your generosity will help us provide crucial food items to the New Yorkers that need it most.
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