  “There are very few things that the government does that are more fundamental than making sure the people of this city are fed. So let’s stop having emergency food be a political football and actually move forward and make sure that the city is providing sufficient funding.” —Public Advocate Bill de Blasio speaking at the 18th Annual Agency Conference.
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Our HistoryFood Bank For New York City was founded in 1983 to address the growing needs of people seeking emergency food assistance in New York City. In July 2007, FoodChange, Inc. became a subsidiary of the Food Bank. Over the years, the Food Bank has experienced dramatic growth in the areas of food distribution, operations, programs and research to better serve our network of community food programs — and ultimately the people in New York City who rely on the food we provide. 1983 Food Bank For New York City is founded (as Food for Survival) to serve people in need throughout New York City. Our operations and our 35,000-square-foot warehouse (now 90,000 square feet) are based in the Hunts Point Cooperative Market in the Bronx — the world's largest wholesale distribution center.
A Wholesale Food Purchasing Program is started to provide food programs with a larger variety than what is received from donated food.
The Fresh Produce Program is founded and helps distribute 5.6 million pounds of free, fresh fruits and vegetables.
The first Check-Out Hunger, a hunger-awareness and fundraising campaign, is conducted in supermarkets citywide, is held. The Food Bank (as Food for Survival) receives the Robin Hood Foundation Hero of the Year award and a Proclamation from the Office of the Mayor marking October 29 as Food for Survival Day.
Lucy Cabrera, Food Bank President and CEO, receives an award from Hunts Point Local Development Corporation for her valued contributions to the Hunts Point Business Community and outstanding dedication to feeding the people of New York City.
Feeding America presents the Food Bank with two Model Program awards for General Management and Research.
As part of the Food Bank's September 11 Disaster Relief efforts, three million pounds of food are provided to rescue efforts at Ground Zero, including those of the Red Cross and Salvation Army; police precincts and restaurants preparing meals for volunteers; and our network of food assistance programs experiencing increase in need. A 24-hour, toll-free phone line (1.866.NYC.FOOD) is established to assist people trying to locate food programs where they can volunteer, offer financial support and receive food assistance. *New Yorkers are now directed to call 311 for help locating assistance. The Food Bank also offers our online Food Program Locator. The Food Bank releases Hunger in America 2001: The New York City Report (in collaboration with Feeding America), the largest and most comprehensive study showing that one in five New Yorkers are turning to the city's kitchens, food pantries, and shelters for emergency food relief.
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