National Hunger Action Month
Take action for hunger in September!
Each September, Hunger Action Month unites millions to raise awareness and provide nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger. Together, we all make a difference.
Food insecurity has been skyrocketing over the past few years. According to the True Cost of Living Report, 50% of working-age households in New York City are struggling to make ends meet. Since 2000, the costs of basic needs have increased by 131%, while median earnings have increased by only 71%. 1.4 million New Yorkers are experiencing food insecurity. Visits to New York City soup kitchens and food pantries are currently at record high levels. And food scarcity increases anxiety and depression.
S:US offers holistic programs to support New Yorkers in need and explicitly addresses hunger through a range of programs and initiatives, including our Urban Farms and Community Fridges.
Last year, Urban Farms grew an estimated 12,200 pounds of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and honey from our farm and garden network. This is equivalent to 8,500 meals with a market value of approximately $51,000, all planted and cultivated by the people we serve. We have 98 growing spaces in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx, including eight community farms.
In 2022, we launched our Community Fridge Program. Our community fridges offer free food and non-perishable items to neighbors in need at five locations in Brooklyn and the Bronx. S:US’ Community Fridges are operated by adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities who attend our day programs or live in our residential programs.
And in 2023, we developed a Food Security White Paper on the complexities of food insecurity, highlighting innovations and best practices in food justice, and calling for collective action to eradicate food insecurity in our communities.
We’re proud to help vulnerable New Yorkers build stable lives.
We’re also excited to share that our Community Food Security team is hosting a Food Drive and will accept donations until Tuesday, September 30th!
They are accepting donations of non-perishable food items, including jars, cans, and sealed packets.
Suggested items include:
1. Canned Protein (tuna, chicken, salmon, or beans)
2. Canned Vegetables (low-sodium options preferred)
3. Canned or Boxed Soups (hearty soups with protein and vegetables)
4. Peanut Butter (protein-rich and shelf-stable)
5. Canned or Boxed Pasta (spaghetti, macaroni, or ravioli)
6. Rice & Pasta (whole grain options are ideal)
7. Canned or Boxed Fruits (preferably in 100% juice or light syrup)
8. Boxed Cereal (low-sugar, whole grain options)
9. Shelf-Stable Milk (such as powdered milk, evaporated milk, or plant-based milk)
10. Granola Bars or Snack Bars (healthy, easy-to-carry options)
Donations can also be made at any of our community fridge locations between 8AM and 8PM any day of the week:
- 1015 Fox Street (Bronx)
- 1109 Bushwick Avenue (Brooklyn)
- 421 Chester Street (Brooklyn)
- 457 Saint Marks Avenue (Brooklyn)
Alternatively, food drive items can be purchased through our Food Drive page on Amazon (with some suggested items listed above).
For larger or bulk donations, please email Mike Hollis at [email protected]. (Donations after September will continue to be welcomed).
