For thousands of New Yorkers, the holidays no longer guarantee a full table. In response, City Harvest and the New York Daily News have launched the city’s largest annual food drive, aiming to collect 700,000 pounds of food for New Yorkers in need.
The effort, which began Tuesday, comes as food pantry visits reach record highs and recent $186 billion in federal SNAP benefit cuts threaten to deepen the city’s hunger crisis.
Running from October 21 through January 16, the food drive arrives at a critical time for struggling families across the five boroughs. Food insecurity in New York City has surged in recent years, with pantry visits up 88% per month compared to 2019.
“Too many New Yorkers are being pushed past their budgets, and recent changes to federal food assistance programs like SNAP could further intensify the need,” said Jenna Harris, Associate Director of Donor Relations and Supply Chain at City Harvest.
Harris added, “We know that for many families, the holiday season is especially difficult when budgets are already stretched thin. Together with the Daily News, we’re encouraging New Yorkers to donate food so we can step up to help families in need during this crucial time.”
FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker expressed his support.
“The FDNY is proud to once again partner with City Harvest and the Daily News on this important effort,” he said.
The most-needed donation items include canned fruit and vegetables, canned proteins, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, juice, cereal, and other nonperishable foods. Donations can be dropped off at Apple Bank locations, FDNY firehouses, and NYPD precincts across the five boroughs.
For those unable to donate in person, supporters can contribute virtually by starting an online food drive through City Harvest’s partner platform, #GiveHealthy. Participants can purchase nonperishable items that will be delivered directly to City Harvest’s warehouse.
Schools, churches, synagogues, and community groups are also invited to host their own food drives to support the cause.
To learn more about City Harvest’s mission and how to get involved, visit cityharvest.org.
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