Food Bank NYC: Fighting Holiday Hunger for 1.3 Million New Yorkers

The Holidays Are Here But for Many New Yorkers, So Is Uncertainty For 1.3 million New Yorkers struggling with food insecurity, the holidays often bring anxiety instead of joy. Skyrocketing grocery prices and the steep cost of essentials force impossible decisions: honoring cherished traditions or meeting basic needs. At Food Bank For New York City, we believe food is far more than sustenance - it’s a bridge to culture, family, and dignity. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring every neighbor has what they need to celebrate the season without sacrifice. Longtime Food Bank friend and supporter Tracy Morgan helped us deliver 400 turkeys in Brooklyn! How Food Bank Is Fighting Hunger During the Holidays Food Bank For NYC provides food and critical resources to over 800 food pantries and soup kitchens across the five boroughs, including holiday essentials that make the season bright for New Yorkers struggling to feed their families. Last month alone, we delivered nearly 16,000 turkeys to NYC, ensuring our neighbors from all walks of life could enjoy special meals with the people they love most. This includes partnerships like: Stop & Shop in Bed-Stuy, where 400 turkeys reached local families in Brooklyn. Islamic Relief USA in Harlem, which helped us provide 240 Halal turkeys at our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry, ensuring celebrations reflect cultural and dietary values. Our commitment to culturally relevant food is a cornerstone of our work. As Sharin, a Muslim woman who visits our Community Kitchen explains: “It’s so incredible the way Food Bank treats us. For example, during Ramadan, Food Bank will have special Halal meals for those who need them. Food Bank takes extra care and treats us so well.” Sharin receives her Halal turkey from Sultana Ocasio, Director of our Community Kitchen. Stories of Resilience From NYC Pantries At 9 Million Reasons Food Pantry in Queens, Yessica, a recently arrived Peruvian New Yorker, shared how this Food Bank member has become an essential part of her holidays. “This pantry provides us with all the important ingredients we need to cook for the season,” she says. And Yessica isn’t just a recipient - she’s also a volunteer, giving back to the community that welcomed her. Yessica with her little dino (son). For Lonnie, a lifelong New Yorker living with a disability, 9 Million Reasons has brought comfort and tradition to his holidays. “They provide the turkey, the candied yams, the collard greens, the fresh green beans,” he shared with a smile. “The only thing I need is the seasoning... they provide everything else!” Lonnie loves the fresh food he receives at Food Bank member 9 Million Reasons. Why Your Support Matters This Holiday Season Inflation has made the holidays more expensive for everyone, but its burden falls hardest on those with the least. When tight budgets stretch even thinner, celebrations can feel out of reach. This is why Food Bank’s work, and your support, are so vital right now. By contributing to our 40 Million Meals campaign, you can help ensure no New Yorker goes without food this holiday season, helping all our neighbors, no matter who they are or where they come from, celebrate with the dignity they deserve. Click here to give now! Learn more about our work and see how you can make a difference this holiday season at www.foodbanknyc.org. And for a special thank you in advance, watch the video below: