S:US and Sharing Excess Announce Partnership to Expand Community Fridge Program in the Bronx
People served by S:US with Monica Santos, S:US’ Chief Program Officer (center, wearing sunglasses).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, February 15, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT:
Matthew Costantini
[email protected] |609-647-1765
The partnership aims to address food insecurity in the South Bronx by providing healthy food directly to local communities
The Bronx, New York – Services for the UnderServed (S:US), a leading provider of social services, hunger relief programs and supportive housing in New York City, today announced a partnership with Sharing Excess, a nonprofit that works directly with grocery stores, restaurants, wholesalers, and farmers to distribute excess food and groceries. Founded in Philadelphia, Sharing Excess has delivered more than 20 million meals to a network of nonprofits, food banks, and community organizations in its five-year history.
In this new partnership, Sharing Excess will collaborate with S:US to provide mixed pallets of rescued food to be distributed to two of S:US’ Bronx Community Fridges on a weekly basis. Stewards from S:US’ South Bronx/Lydig Day Habilitation Program for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities will assist in the collection, management, and distribution of food to the refrigerators.
“Far too many of the New Yorkers we serve struggle to put food on the table each day. This partnership with Sharing Excess is an important step to expand our work in addressing New York’s food insecurity crisis and help more New Yorkers access the nutritious food they need,” said Perry Perlmutter, President & CEO, Services for the UnderServed. “Sharing Excess has an excellent track record in Philadelphia, and we could not be more pleased that they have expanded their critical work into New York City. This partnership will go a long way in ensuring that our South Bronx Community Fridges will continue to be stocked with healthy, nutritious food that is deeply needed in the community.”
This partnership aligns with both organizations’ commitment to addressing the immediate needs of communities and fostering long-term solutions to combat hunger. S:US and Sharing Excess aim to create a sustainable and impactful response to food insecurity in the South Bronx.
“Services for the UnderServed’s community fridge program is a crucial piece of the work that we do for the people that we serve,” said Jajaida Gonzalez, Vice President of Day Services and Employment, Services for the UnderServed. “Collaborating with Sharing Excess allows us to expand on our existing programming and helps us reach vulnerable New Yorkers where they live, while also providing an opportunity for day habilitation stewards to experience the pride and value of community service.”
“We are excited to work alongside Services for the UnderServed to expand our efforts in the South Bronx,” said Miranda Potmesil, New York City Program Manager, Sharing Excess. “Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it the most. Our shared values of community support and empowerment drive this collaboration, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have.”
All S:US Community Fridges are managed by people served with intellectual or developmental disabilities who attend day habilitation programs. In addition to the locations in the Bronx, S:US operates three fridges in Brooklyn at 421 Chester Street, 1109 Bushwick Avenue and, most recently at 457 Saint Marks Avenue.
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About Services for the UnderServed
S:US envisions a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive, and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose. S:US has a staff of 1,800 that provides $273 million in services. Their efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Most importantly, S:US’ vision allows the organization to deliver the same quality of services to one individual or to thousands.
About Sharing Excess
With a mission built on the principle that food should be shared and not wasted, Sharing Excess is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing food and feeding communities. The organization works with grocery stores, wholesalers, and farmers, to take any unsold or surplus food and distribute it to food banks and community organizations. Discover more at www.sharingexcess.com/.