Photo: William Alatriste
Food Bank For New York City’s President and CEO Margarette Purvis joined New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Department of Education (DOE) Executive Director of Community Schools Chris Caruso, and representatives from the East Bronx Academy for the Future High School to celebrate the creation of 16 new Campus Pantries. Watch the event on NBC 4 NY!
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Food Bank, the City Council, and the DOE to identify schools in high-poverty communities that would benefit from a pantry. In addition to food, the campus pantries also supply families with menstrual products, shampoo, soap, deodorant, and cleaning supplies. While the City Council has been a long-time supporter of anti-hunger programs, this is the first time they have invested in pantries in schools.
“In our city, more than one in four children is living in poverty. Food Bank For New York City is grateful for the support and partnership of the New York City Council and the Department of Education to create 16 new campus pantries that address the need for food and other essentials,” said President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City Margarette Purvis. “I thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the entire City Council for seeing the indignities that poverty inflicts upon children and families, and taking decisive and effective steps to address them – this is the essence of leadership.”