This article and video interview with originally appeared on NY1.com
NEW YORK, March 17, 2025 — Leslie Gordon, President & CEO of Food Bank For New York City, sat down with Spectrum News NY1 to discuss the ongoing hunger crisis five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Food Bank For New York City continues to see long lines of families in need, as 1.3 million New Yorkers struggle to afford food.
“I’d love to say we’re seeing less need since COVID, but that’s simply not the case,” said Leslie Gordon, President & CEO of Food Bank For NYC. “The demand for food in this city is just as high—or higher—than it was pre-COVID.”
Food prices, rent, and other basic costs have skyrocketed, outpacing wage increases and making it harder for low-income families to recover. At Holy Apostles in Chelsea, meal service has surged from 345,000 meals pre-COVID to over 2 million today.
Food Bank remains an essential line of defense, not just in times of crisis but year-round. Advocates warn that potential federal SNAP cuts could cost NYC nearly $1 billion in food assistance, worsening the crisis.
“We still need your help,” Gordon said. “Volunteer, advocate, and donate. Hunger is as urgent today as it was during the pandemic.”
About Food Bank
Driven by our mission to empower every New Yorker to achieve food security for good, we harness the collective power of our network of food providers, partners, and volunteers to activate the right resources, supports, and expertise across the five boroughs. Our work with more than 800 soup kitchens, food pantries, and campus partners provides immediate and reliable access to food and nutrition education, while our economic empowerment programs give people the tools and know-how to improve their financial wellness. Community by community, we work together to make progress on a more hopeful, dignified, and equitable future for all.