BRONX, N.Y. —A bright new truck rolled into the South Bronx Tuesday morning for a special mobile pantry distribution on Longwood Avenue—bringing more than food. It brought New Yorkers the chance to gather, share, and connect around a table.
Food Bank For NYC unveiled the National Mah Jongg League Truck, donated by Bronx-born brothers Larry and David Unger, whose $450,000 gift will help deliver nutritious meals through our 800 pantry partners citywide.
The League has gathered people around tables since 1937, building a community now 350,000 members strong. Food Bank For NYC does the same— only with warm meals across the five boroughs.
For philanthropists Larry and David, this gift is personal. They grew up here. Now, they’re paying it forward.
“Coming together with Larry and David today, who treasure and feel deeply connected to the legacy of the Bronx, to make sure that people can gather around tables and have access to good, nutritious food,” said Leslie Gordon, CEO of Food Bank For NYC. “What could be better?”
Families Are Still Recovering
One in three kids in the Bronx struggles with food insecurity. Five South Bronx communities have the highest need in the city. With lingering impacts from government shutdowns and SNAP delays, families are still recovering.
The brothers served alongside volunteers—distributing turkey, ham, cornmeal, grapes, black figs, Brussels sprouts, spinach, eggs and more. With music playing and client-choice pickup, families selected what worked best for their tables. Mobile pantries like these happen 15 times a month, giving families access to fresh produce, shelf-stable goods, and culturally relevant items.
“We’re really grateful because it shows there are people out there looking out for the community, especially in the Bronx,” said Melissa Pino, Senior Manager of the Mobile Pantry program.
“Don’t Be Embarrassed”
Among the 300 families served was Walter King, a Culinary Institute of America graduate who’s worked in five-star NYC restaurants. Job losses in hospitality have knocked him down before—after 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and COVID-19. Each time, recovery takes over a year and a half.
“You know it’s not your fault, but you have to live with it,” he said, as he picked up pastrami and figs for a Thanksgiving meal.
His message to others on the line: “Don’t be embarrassed. You have to have that safety net.”
Mobile pantries turn hard choices—rent or groceries—into possibilities.
“It helps save some money,” King said. “Food ain’t cheap.”
More Than a Truck
The National Mah Jongg League Truck isn’t just a delivery vehicle. It’s a reminder that connection begins at the table—whether it’s over a game of Mahjong or a shared meal.
“The National Mah Jongg League has connected people for decades,” Gordon said. “Today, that same spirit of gathering and generosity is helping families sit at tables, share meals, and feel a sense of dignity and hope this holiday season.”
