Founding a Movement, Feeding a City
From the start, Food Bank For NYC was more than a response—it was a revolution. We helped launch the anti-hunger movement, setting the standard for hunger relief nationwide.
What began with 600,000 pounds of food and 129 agencies has grown into a citywide network of nearly 800 community partners across all five boroughs. Under CEO Leslie Gordon, we now move millions of pounds of food daily—getting it where it’s needed most so New Yorkers can live healthier, fuller lives.
And we’re just getting started.
Four Decades of Fighting Hunger
1983
The city’s FIRST food bank is born
On March 29, Kathy Goldman co-founded Food For Survival — New York City’s first food bank, now the city’s largest hunger relief organization, Food Bank For New York City.
1984
Delivering food, breaking barriers
Food Bank launches its first delivery program—the Community Food Transportation Project—bringing food directly to 129 agencies in its first year and removing barriers to access.
1985
Doors open in Harlem
Kathy Goldman establishes Food Bank For New York City’s Community Kitchen in West Harlem at the All Souls Church. What began serving 130 dinners daily now serves 100,000 meals a month on W 116th St.
1987
A table for every generation
We hosted our first dinner for New Yorkers 60+ at our Community Kitchen, planting the seeds for today’s Older Adults Program—a space for nourishment, connection, and community.
1990
Bridging Harlem’s Access to Fresh Food
Deeply concerned about the lack of access to healthy, affordable foods in Harlem, Food Bank partners with Abyssinian Baptist Church to open the first new supermarket in decades at 125th St. and Lexington Ave and bridge the gap.
1990
Fresh Produce, Fresh Start
Food Bank launches one of the nation’s largest Fresh Produce Programs, distributing 5.6 million pounds of fruits and vegetables to improve nutrition across the city.
1992
Repacking with Purpose
The Warehouse Repack Program begins, transforming bulk donations into family-sized portions—helping food pantries and soup kitchens serve more efficiently and with less waste.
1994
Planting Seeds for the Next Generation
CookShop took root as our longest-running program and NYC’s largest nutrition education initiative for public school students, and ran for 30 years. Through hands-on cooking, tasting, and exploration, it helped transform K–5 public school students into lifelong healthy eaters while providing parents with practical tools to afford healthy food.
2001
Delivering Hope Across The Five Boroughs
To reach more neighbors faster, we launched a full delivery system of 12 trucks delivering hundreds of thousands of pounds of food daily.
2002
Building for Impact
To serve more New Yorkers, we expanded our warehouse to 90,000 square feet and introduced barcode tracking—so we’d know exactly what we had, where it was, and how to move it fast.
2012
Filling Empty Stomachs, Fueling Young Minds
Launched after Hurricane Sandy, our Campus Pantry program brings fresh groceries to public schools—giving students and families access to food where they learn.
2020
Fresh Food on the Move
In response to COVID-19, we launched mobile pantries to help double food distribution and deliver fresh groceries directly to NYC neighborhoods in greatest need.
2022
Driving and Delivering Impact
We launched our own fleet of more than 40 trucks and 30 drivers—boosting reliability, speed, and dignity with a 99.9% on-time rate across all five boroughs. That’s faster than Amazon.
2023
Double the Coolers, Double the Food
Food Bank For New York City expanded its cold storage capacity at the 90,000 sq. ft. Hunts Point Warehouse, doubling cooler space to preserve more fresh food for longer and feed more New Yorkers.
2023
Celebrating 40 Years of Empowering New Yorkers
Food Bank turns 40 and celebrates with a lighting ceremony at the Empire State Building and a special commendation from the Mayor officially decreeing March 29 as “Food Bank For New York City Day.”
2024
Food That Speaks Your Language
We added 30 new culturally diverse foods to the 1,300-item menu—bringing our total to over 100 items that reflect the tastes and traditions of NYC’s communities. From masa flour and yuca, we’re connecting families with familiar foods they know, love, and feel proud to serve.
