Dear Friends,

As the fall is coming to a close, we are three months into NYC Goes Orange, the Food Bank’s annual fund- and awareness-raising campaign. This series of events and happenings brings the city together in support of hunger relief, and it couldn’t come at a better time. More and more people are reaching out for help, and we in turn need your support today and throughout the holiday season.

The economic crisis has devastated families and left so many New Yorkers struggling. All through our network, we are seeing longer lines, greater need and signs that people are relying on us more than ever. At our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry of West Harlem, some first-time clients are changing the face of hunger. We’re seeing people standing on line in suits, people hit hard by the recession and struggling to recover. A lost job, a depleted savings account — recovery from these blows will be slow, and in the meantime, the Food Bank will continue to be a safety net for those in need.

Despite the economy, over the fall the Food Bank recently saw great success raising funds and awareness for hunger relief at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, as over 40,000 attendees celebrated our city’s culinary culture. I’m so proud of our partnership with the festival — thank you to everyone who made it possible!

And as we approach the holidays, we rely on your continued support to meet the increased need in New York City. When the lines at soup kitchens swell, we see an urgent need in those crowds. Help us spread the word — share our stories with friends, family and coworkers by passing on this post. And be sure to browse our website for further information on the population we serve, our programs, upcoming events and more. Thank you for your support!

Sincerely,
Lucy Cabrera, Ph.D., CAE
President and CEO