January 19, 2016 – From Saturday, January 16th to Monday, January 18th, over 600 New Yorkers came together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with a citywide weekend of volunteer service. Food Bank staff joined forces with volunteers to repack and distribute donated goods, build compost bins and vegetable beds, paint walls, hang shelving, and deep clean the kitchens and community spaces of charities across the city.
Our network of food pantries kicked off “Add A Day for MLK,” choosing to open their doors on a day when they are traditionally closed. Energized by the cold air and brilliant sunshine, Food Bank staff sorted and distributed 15,000 pounds of fresh produce at sites in each of the five boroughs, delivering nutritious meals to 2,000 families in only a few hours’ time.
Volunteers also stepped up to serve the community at a Home Goods Essential Items Distribution. Food Bank’s Community Kitchen & Pantry opened its doors for a special “day ON” to prepack and hand out kits of home items such as soap, toiletries, and toys to hundreds of registered pantry clients.
Food Bank For New York City thanks its outstanding volunteers and partner charities for honoring the legacy of Dr. King by serving and supporting our mission to end hunger in this great city.