The holidays are quickly approaching and many of us become so caught up in our own busy holiday schedules that we forget those less fortunate than ourselves. During the holidays there are always a number of food drives to help soup kitchens, food pantries and homeless shelters feed those in need. Recently, I discovered a great food donation service in New York City called City Harvest. After reading more about this organization I am amazed at how big an impact they make on the lives of hungry New Yorkers.
City Harvest, founded in 1982, is New York City's only food rescue program. This year alone they will rescue more than 20 million pounds of excess food from restaurants, wholesalers, cafeterias, grocery stores and hotels. This food is then delivered to homeless shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the city.
This is an incredible organization that helps the more than one million hungry New Yorkers each year. While hunger may not seem like a problem to us, these statistics and figures are shocking:
- 1.5 Million New Yorkers Live in Poverty
- More than 1 Million Rely on Emergency Food
- 34% Have Had to Choose Between Food or Paying Their Rent
- 34% Have Had to Choose Between Food or Paying Their Utilities
- 22% Have Had to Choose Between Food or Medical Care
Hunger is an important issue not only in New York City but across the world. This holiday season I encourage you to participate in local food drives and help less fortunate individuals.
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