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September is Hunger Action Month, a time for all of us to stand up and fight back against hunger for our neighbors here in New York City and for communities around the world. This is especially important now as inflation continues to force more and more New Yorkers to the pantry line each day. But as food prices rise, so do we.
On this page, you’ll find all the tools and resources you need to join us in rising up for the 1.6 million New Yorkers currently facing hunger. You can take action by signing up for a volunteer shift at our Community Kitchen & Food Pantry in West Harlem, amplifying our mission on social media, or donating to our Hunger Action Month campaign.
There is no shortage of ways to join us in fighting hunger for our neighbors all across the five boroughs. Read on to figure out how you will rise.
I think the biggest thing to remember is that more people than you think are one meal, one paycheck, one moment away from experiencing hunger. Food insecurity isn’t an abstract concept – it exists everywhere, and could very well affect you or someone you love. That’s why the fight is so vital and why it must be fought all year long.
-Leslie Gordon, Food Bank For New York City President & CEO
The average cost per meal in New York City is $4.06. This is 30% higher than the national average and 23% higher than the New York State average.
Source: Map the Meals Gap (2019). Feeding America. 2020
Since the start of COVID-19 in March 2020, the cost of groceries in the New York Metropolitan area has increased by 15.3%.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
An estimated 17.3% of New York City residents are considered living below the federal poverty level. New York City’s poverty rate is 35 percent higher than the national average and 27% higher than the New York State average.
Source: 2020 American Community Survey. U.S. Census Bureau. 2022.
Together We Rise
Throughout Hunger Action Month, we’ll be sharing stories from the folks who power our mission every day – from our donors to our volunteers, member agency partners, Junior Board members, and fellow Food Bankers – as part of our “Together We Rise” series, presented by our Hunger Action Month partners at Grubhub. These stories of resilience and strength are meant to show how everyday New Yorkers always come together to overcome challenges.
TAKE ACTION NOW
Ready to join us in the fight against hunger? Click the buttons below to take action and rise up for New Yorkers in need.
Donate
Help New Yorkers get the food and resources they deserve.
Volunteer
Offer your time and talents to support one of Food Bank’s virtual or in-person volunteer projects.
Advocate
Join Food Bank’s Action Team to raise your voice in support of key anti-hunger policies.