Nearly 1.3 Million New York City Residents Are Food Insecure, According to City Harvest
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BROOKLYN, NY – Last Friday, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, in partnership with UA3, hosted his annual Thanksgiving food distribution event outside of Brooklyn Borough Hall. Staff distributed over 60,000 pounds of fresh produce, non-perishables, and other food items to more than 120 Brooklyn houses of worship, community kitchens, and other community-based organizations addressing food insecurity and homelessness.
“Thanksgiving is a time to come together to practice gratitude, eat fresh food, and spend time with loved ones. Unfortunately, for too many Brooklynites, it’s a reminder of the challenges they face to put food on the table,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “While the fight against food insecurity is every day and ongoing, I am so thankful to our partners and staff who’ve worked so hard to ensure more Brooklynites can enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal with turkey, rice, potatoes, carrots, apples, beans, and more. I wish all of Brooklyn a very joyous Thanksgiving!”
This event was made possible with the support of special partner UA3 as well as the support of Amazon, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, C-Town of East Williamsburg, Delta Air Lines, Food Bazaar, Goya, Hispanic Federation, Hunts Point Produce Market, National Grid, Optimum, Ponce Bank, Thrivent Bank, Met Council, and the National Supermarket Association.
“C-Town of East Williamsburg and the Diaz Family are proud to have served the Brooklyn community for over 40 years,”said Anthony Diaz, Owner, C-Town of East Williamsburg.
“At Met Council, we are proud to partner with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso to ensure that families in need have a joyful Thanksgiving. We are providing thousands of turkeys to people in need this holiday season across New York, a testament to our commitment to alleviating hunger and supporting our community. Together with Boro President Reynoso, we are working to make sure no one goes hungry this holiday season,” said David Greenfield, CEO of Met Council on Jewish Poverty
“At National Grid, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back,” said Eileen Cifone, Director of Community & Government Affairs at National Grid. “Our annual Season of Giving allows us to support our neighbors and strengthen the bonds that make our communities thrive. By partnering with a cross-section of local organizations and leaders, like the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, we aim to ensure the families can enjoy a warm meal and the spirit of togetherness this Thanksgiving.”
“Optimum is honored to support Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s annual Thanksgiving Distribution. This vital initiative facilitates the distribution of thousands of pounds of food to nonprofit organizations throughout Brooklyn, ensuring that residents in need can enjoy a nourishing and festive Thanksgiving meal,” said Vic Pascarelli, Vice President, General Manager of Optimum Northeast. “We deeply appreciate the partnership with Borough President Reynoso and his office, whose unwavering dedication to addressing the community’s needs is truly commendable. Their efforts make a significant impact, and Optimum is proud to contribute to such a meaningful cause.”
“A recent report from RobinHood.org revealed that the number of New Yorkers using food pantries recently has risen to one in three. This is a dire reflection on the affordability crisis we face throughout this city. Now more than ever it’s critical that these problems be tackled locally, and that’s why we’re proud to join Borough President Reynoso and UA3, once again supporting their efforts to ensure that our Brooklyn neighbors don’t go hungry, not only during the holidays, but throughout the year,” said Carlos Naudon, President and CEO, Ponce Bank.