Dear Friends,

I write to you today with mixed emotions to announce that I will be retiring as the Food Bank For New York City’s President and CEO.

I look back on my career at the Food Bank with great pride. Our mission has expanded beyond food distribution to ongoing support and resources that enable more than 1,000 community food programs to build capacity and connect their communities with much needed benefits and services. Along the way, the Food Bank has grown from a small provider to one of the country’s largest and most prestigious food banks, serving 1.5 million New Yorkers today through food distribution, income support and nutrition and health education.

Growing up, I saw poverty firsthand. My mother was a garment factory worker and my father was a cook. It was the fear of being poor that made me push myself because I wanted something more for my children.

Now, after 23 years with the Food Bank, I leave behind an organization that is in a strong financial position, has a stellar reputation, and an independent research wing. I’m confident that the strength of our community food program network, a highly committed board of directors, a skilled and dedicated executive team and a committed group of supporters like you will take the Food Bank to the next level. I will continue to serve in my current role as our Board of Directors engages in a search for the Food Bank’s next leader.

Thank to you everyone who has helped make what the Food Bank does possible.
 

Sincerely,

Lucy Cabrera, CAE, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Food Bank For New York City