Attorney General James Reminds New Yorkers to Support Vulnerable Communities

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today reminded New Yorkers about the great challenges that New York City’s most vulnerable communities are facing as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There are more than 1.4 million residents of New York City who rely on emergency food programs, and in the midst of this crisis, access to food has become increasingly difficult.

“Every day, countless people across New York City struggle to find food to eat. Today, that number is even greater, and food is even harder to find. As we all work to limit the impacts of this public health crisis, we must not forget about those who were already struggling before this outbreak,” said Attorney General James. “Food pantries and soup kitchens are buckling under the weight of this new reality and as a result, thousands are desperately searching for a meal. In times of hardship, New Yorkers have always shown up for one another, and now, more than ever, people need help to eat. I encourage supermarkets and anyone who is able to please consider donating to our city’s food pantries and soup kitchens and helping to ensure that New Yorkers don’t go hungry tonight.”

According to City Harvest, there were nearly 25 million visits to soup kitchens and food pantries in New York City last year. As the COVID-19 outbreak has spread across New York City, many of the city’s food pantries and soup kitchens have struggled to meet the growing demands for food assistance. Providers have closed locations to protect workers and have been met by surging prices for food as availability has become increasingly scarce.

For more information for individuals about supporting food pantries and soup kitchens in New York City, please visit Food Bank for New York City.  For more information for businesses about supporting food pantries and soup kitchens in New York City, please visit the donateNYC food portal. For more information about currently available emergency food providers, please visit Food Bank for New York City.