The City Council announced this week kicked off a food drive in partnership with the Food Bank for New York City to collect non-perishable items and donate them to select local pantries and soup kitchens that serve veterans.
The council-wide program will run from Nov. 10 through Nov. 20, with participating councilmembers collecting the food at their district offices.
Roughly 30 percent of city veterans rely on emergency food supplies, according to FBNYC research. Other studies conducted nationally by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and NBC Nightly News align with this data.
Councilmen Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), chairman of the Veterans Committee, and Stephen Levin (D-Brooklyn), chairman of the General Welfare Committee, hosted a press conference on Monday to announce the drive.
“It’s a heartbreaking reality that veterans around the city struggle each day to get a hot meal,” Ulrich said. “Veterans’ homelessness and hunger are two serious issues in our city. Our veterans deserve better, and this drive will help ensure that local food pantries and soup kitchens are equipped to assist those less fortunate with hot meals during the holiday season.”
Levin echoed Ulrich’s sentiment, adding, “While there is much work to be done, I am proud that the City Council is hosting this council-wide Veterans Food Drive and is providing direct help to those who have selflessly served our nation.”
Food will be collected until Nov. 20 at Ulrich’s office, located at 93-06 101st Ave. in Ozone Park.
