The legislative body announced a week-long emergency food drive this week to raise resources and awareness for food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the city desperately in need of replenishing. A total $1.32 million went into the Fiscal Year 2015 budget to bulk up supplies.
In southern Queens, the Richmond Hill Holy Child Jesus Church partnered up with the drive, which runs from Aug. 26 through Sept. 3, also commemorating the 104th birthday of Mother Teresa.
“Too many families struggle each day to put food on the table and rely on food pantries and kitchens for the basic necessities,” said City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park). “This drive comes at a crucial time of year for New Yorkers in need and will help more families send their children back to school well-fed and nourished. I strongly encourage the community to join this great cause in honor of Mother Teresa and on behalf of our less fortunate neighbors.”
A total 50 percent of hunger-relief organizations were forced to turn people away because of inadequate resources to meet the rising demand over the course of 2013, lawmakers said.
“In the words of Mother Teresa ‘we see god in every person,’” said Father Frank Colamaria of Holy Child Jesus Church. “No matter what race, creed, or culture, we serve the spiritual, physical, and social needs of the people of Richmond Hill by supporting our local food pantries and kitchens.”
A group of 33 City Council members across all of the five boroughs came together to organize food drives in their districts, collecting non-perishable food supplies such as canned and dry goods and powdered milk. Southern Queens City Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) said the drive was a necessity for residents across the city, who have suffered for too long.
“Traveling through Queens and, in fact, the entire city of New York, one can be overwhelmed by the amount of people served by our food pantries,” Miller said. “It is imperative that we get involved and are committed to solving the hunger needs of all New Yorkers. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in hosting this week long food drive and look forward to helping collect non-perishable items.”
At the end of the drive, the foodstuffs were then donated to local food pantries throughout New York City.
“Food security is a basic human right, yet every night far too many New Yorkers go to bed hungry,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Food pantries are a vital resource in the fight against hunger, but citywide supply shortages and rising food costs have severely depleted their ability to serve New Yorkers in need of assistance. The City Council’s food drive and $1.32 million food pantry initiative will go a long way toward filling the empty shelves and providing wholesome, nutritious meals to anyone in need.”
