The Joy of Giving Back!
THE JOY OF GIVING BACK!
By Liz Neumark
IT’S SIMPLE: WE ENJOY AND CELEBRATE THE BLESSINGS OF A PLATE FILLED WITH DELICIOUS FOOD.
That’s why having the opportunities to bring nourishing food to hungry New Yorkers is so meaningful. Here are a few organizations we know well and respect that could use your help any day of the year – and during the holiday season.
Support them with your hands, hearts and funds!
WEST SIDE CAMPAIGN AGAINST HUNGER
West Side Campaign Against Hunger is an emergency food pantry that provides assistance to people who struggle to meet the food needs of themselves and their families. They offer fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, protein, and dairy in a supermarket-style pantry, where they can choose the food that is best for them, thus serving our community with dignity. They also offer various social services to connect customers to benefits and other community resources, a Chef Training Program, and a new Mobile Food Pantry which is bringing healthy food directly to NYC neighborhoods with high rates of poverty and food insecurity.
To learn more about WSCAH and see their current volunteer opportunities click here.
Contact Info:
263 West 86th Street New York, New York 10024
Phone:(212) 362-3662
Volunteer Coordinator: Maria Valdez, mvaldez@wscah.org.
NEW YORK COMMON PANTRY
New York Common Pantry is dedicated to reducing hunger throughout New York City while promoting dignity and self-sufficiency. NYCP’s whole-person approach starts with food provision through the distribution of nutritious, fresh food pantry packages in Choice Pantry and hearty balanced breakfast and dinner in the Hot Meals program. Supplemental food is provided to seniors aged 60 and older through Nourish. The third vital element in their whole-person approach is education offered through our Live Healthy! program, which teaches children and adults about the importance of a nutritionally sound diet and active living, as well as provides them with the skills necessary to make healthier choices for their families.
NYCP is looking for volunteers for the month of December! Check out their calendar to see available volunteer shifts in their Choice Pantry and Hot Meals programs.
For additional information contact Stacy Gonzalez at sgonzalez@nycommonpantry.org.
Contact Info:
8 East 109th Street New York, NY 10029
Phone: (917) 720-9700
THE SALVATION ARMY — GREATER NEW YORK DIVISION
The Salvation Army Social Services of Greater New York (SSGNY) manages an extensive network of 46 social service programs designed to assist vulnerable adults, families and children: community centers, homeless shelters and outreach programs; soup kitchens, food pantries and mobile street feeding; foster care, group homes and adoption services; residences and programs for the developmentally disabled; AIDS casework centers; employment training and many other programs
They are always looking for volunteers for the many programs that they offer, and you can signup to register here.
Contact Info:
120 W. 14th Street New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 337-7200
THE BOWERY MISSION
One of New York City’s oldest homeless services organizations, The Bowery Mission has served homeless, hurting, and hungry New Yorkers since 1879. Today, The Bowery Mission provides a full continuum of care, with the goal of ending and preventing homelessness. These services include: basic needs and emergency care to people experiencing homelessness, long-term recovery programs where adults overcome homelessness, collaborative social services for the unemployed and working poor, and mentoring and enrichment programs for children.
There are many volunteer opportunities available at The Bowery Mission, and openings can be viewed on their calendar.
Contact Info:
432 Park Avenue South, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 684-2800 x107
Email: volunteer@bowery.org
FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY
FBFNYC aims to end hunger by organizing food, information and support for community survival, empowerment, and dignity. Food Bank For New York City has been working to end food poverty in our five boroughs for 35 years. As the city’s largest hunger-relief organization, we employ a multifaceted approach centered on helping low-income New Yorkers overcome their circumstances and achieve greater independence.
For a complete list of open volunteer opportunities, check out their calendar.
Contact Info:
39 Broadway, 10th Floor New York, NY 10006
Phone: (212) 566-7855
Fax: (212) 566-1463
CITY MEALS ON WHEELS
Citymeals on Wheels provides a continuous lifeline of nourishing meals and vital companionship to New York City’s homebound elderly.
Learn more about their volunteer opportunities here.
Contact Info:
355 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 687-1234
Email: info@citymeals.org
HOLY APOSTLES SOUP KITCHEN
As New York’s largest emergency food program, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen serves a hearty and nutritious meal to 1,000 homeless and hungry New Yorkers every day. They offer guests a refuge from the streets, a safe place they feel welcomed, connection to additional services and food for the soul as well as the body.
Contact Info:
296 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10001
Phone: Revere Joyce Volunteer Manager at (646) 998-6118
Email: rjoyce@holyapostlesnyc.org
