FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2020
New Funding Will Build Capacity at Local Charities to Allow Them to Meet Greater Need Driven by the Pandemic
New York, NY — The Francine A. LeFrak Foundation, the organization helping to change the lives of those who need an opportunity to achieve success, is working with Food Bank For New York City to expand the capacity of food pantries and soup kitchens serving high-need communities in Queens. A report from Food Bank recently showed that demand on the city’s emergency food network has surged, with 91 percent of food pantries and soup kitchens reporting an increase in first-time visitors.
The new funding will help 14 local food pantries and soup kitchens in Queens increase their food supply and build infrastructure like enhanced refrigeration and storage. It will also establish a new Community Response Partner in Queens: Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, located in Elmhurst/Corona – one of the poorest and most diverse areas of New York City, and hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak.
In response to increased food insecurity during the pandemic, Food Bank has created a system of Community Response Partners throughout the five boroughs that act as hubs for large scale emergency food distribution in high need areas.
Earlier this summer, the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation provided meals at food pantries and soup kitchens in Corona, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Rego Park and Woodside, and sponsored a series of mobile food pantries at LeFrak City and the Rego Park library for several weeks to help to ease the burden and provide access to more than 1,000,000 nutritious meals. To date, the Foundation’s support has helped serve over 480,000 Queens residents.
“As New York begins to open up, we can’t turn our backs to those who are still hungry,” Francine A. LeFrak, President of the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation said. “Providing refrigeration and the ability to store food to meet the dire needs at 14 local food pantries is an honor and a privilege.”
“Thank you to the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation for their continued support during this difficult time. This funding will help to build capacity in high-need communities at a time when fortifying the city’s emergency food network is critical,” said Leslie Gordon, President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City. “As heightened food insecurity continues to plague our city, we are grateful for their support and for the generosity of all of our partners who are helping to ensure New Yorkers have food on their tables.”
Food Bank is the city’s largest hunger relief organization with a network of more than 800 food pantries and soup kitchens across the five boroughs. Food Bank has distributed over 35 million meals across the city since the start of the outbreak, an increase of 20 percent in overall food distribution compared to the same period last year. Help continue supporting New Yorkers in need at www.foodbanknyc.org.
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About Food Bank For New York City
For 37 years, Food Bank For New York City has been the city’s major hunger-relief organization working to end hunger throughout the five boroughs. Nearly one in five New Yorkers relies on Food Bank for food and other resources. Food Bank takes a strategic, multifaceted approach that provides meals and builds capacity in the neediest communities, while raising awareness and engagement among all New Yorkers. Through its network of more than 1,000 charities and schools citywide, Food Bank provides food for more than 80 million free meals per year for New Yorkers in need. Food Bank For New York City’s income support services, including food stamps (also known as SNAP) and free tax assistance for the working poor, put nearly $36 million each year into the pockets of New Yorkers, helping them to afford food and achieve greater dignity and independence. Food Bank’s nutrition education programs and services empower more than 50,000 children, teens and adults to sustain a healthy diet and active lifestyle on a limited budget. Working toward long-term solutions to food poverty, Food Bank develops policy and conducts research to inform community and government efforts. To learn more about how you can help, please visit foodbanknyc.org. Follow us on Facebook (FoodBank4NYC), Twitter (@FoodBank4NYC) and Instagram (@FoodBank4NYC).
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About The Francine A. LeFrak Foundation
The Francine A. LeFrak Foundation’s mission is to help change the lives of those who need an opportunity to achieve success. Through targeted partnerships, the Foundation provides access to training, education, the arts and facilities while preserving culture around the world. The Foundation’s ultimate goal is to ensure that all individuals have access to the basic necessities and are equipped to achieve economic stability to ensure their personal independence. The organization primarily supports education, training, and workforce development. To learn more about the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation please visit www.falfoundation.org. Follow us on Twitter (@_FALFoundation) and connect with us on LinkedIn.
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