Dear Friends,

Right now, 1.7 million New Yorkers are using food stamps to help make ends meet. Their incomes have been decimated by job losses and rising costs, and food stamps supplement stretched budgets, putting food on the table for children, seniors and other vulnerable populations.

At the Food Bank, we recognize that federal benefits like food stamps are a key piece of the hunger safety net, and it is critical that we do everything we can to connect low-income New Yorkers to the program. That’s why income support is an integral part of our mission, and why we work with our network to raise awareness of food stamps and help eligible households apply. As people reach out for help in increasing numbers, we’re ensuring that they are offered a full range of services.

And with proposals to cut funds from the Food Stamp Program to pay for other services currently under review in Congress, we need your help. Please contact your legislators today to ask them to protect this essential program!

I am grateful to know that despite the staggering levels of need we face, struggling families and individuals can find compassion and respect at food assistance organizations all over the city. Rabbi Shaul Shimon Deutsch, of Food Bank network member Oneg Shabbos, puts it best, saying, “Numbers are important, but what’s more important is that every number has a face.”

We encourage all of our supporters to put a face to these numbers by volunteering at one of the approximately 1,000 food assistance programs in our citywide network and meeting some of the wonderful people they serve. You can also “meet” some of these New Yorkers right now — including Jeff, who has had trouble finding work since an injury and whose kids actually get excited over broccoli — by reading our online Meet the People We Help stories.

Thank you so much for helping us fight hunger — every one of our supporters is making a difference for low-income New Yorkers. And there are so many ways to help the Food Bank: make a one-time or monthly gift, volunteer or buy tickets for the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. Your dedication is truly appreciated.

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