GrowNYC - We’re still serving New Yorkers and farmers

 

The past week has been a whirlwind. The federal government’s fluctuating stance on the distribution of November SNAP benefits has thrown our New York neighbors into chaos and uncertainty.

The bottom line: Until SNAP is fully restored, the well-being of millions of New Yorkers and the livelihoods of the small farmers who feed our city remain in jeopardy.

Feed families with GrowNYC

Photo by Preston Keres, USDA

GrowNYC is taking action. Regardless of how or when the current SNAP disruptions are resolved, we remain committed to supporting New Yorkers in need and protecting the farmers that feed our city.

Over this past week: In partnership with the New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene, we distributed $70,000 in Health Bucks, a market coupon that enables New Yorkers to purchase fresh produce directly from farmers.

• What they're saying: Our team spoke with many customers who had no balance on their EBT cards and were grateful for the opportunity to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for themselves and their families.

We continue to mobilize free fresh food distributions to our community partner organizations. We’ll be onboarding more community partners in the coming weeks to reach even more families, so stay tuned!

Take action with GrowNYC

Coming up: Food donation drives at select Greenmarkets are running through November 25—buy a bag for a neighbor in need while you’re doing your weekly shopping!

The bottom line: We cannot do this without you. Your gift of any size helps ensure that no New Yorker goes hungry and that farmers can continue feeding our communities.

A gift of just $10 will provide 5 meals worth of fresh fruits and vegetables for families in need.

• $50 will provide 25 meals

• $100 will provide 50 meals

• $1,000 will provide 500 meals

Food access resources in NYC

As of now, many New York families are still waiting to receive their full November benefits. Getting food to our neighbors will require collective action from New Yorkers to step up to support.

If you can’t donate today, please consider the following actions:

•  Share hunger relief resources with your community members, friends and families:

  • Call 311 hotline for real-time assistance and referrals.

  • Visit ny.gov/foodassistance

  • Call the Hunger Free America hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273), for Spanish, from Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.

  • Findhelp.org

  • NYC Food Finder to locate food pantries and free meals.

  • Food Bank for NYC Food Map to locate food pantries and free meals.

  • FoodHelp NYC is a citywide database of food pantries and soup kitchens

  • The Food Pantries Food Connect Map

•  Fundraise and spread the word to your network and start a fundraiser in support of GrowNYC’s EOY appeal.

• Donate extra produce at select Greenmarket locations. Find your nearest participating market.

•  Volunteer with GrowNYC, we have opportunities for individuals and corporate groups to get involved.

•  Stay connected and follow us on social media @grownyc for GrowNYC specific updates.

•  Support regional agriculture and find the GrowNYC Greenmarket or Farmstand closest to you and support your local farmers.

•  Amplify and share this newsletter with your community to spread the word.

Thank you for standing with GrowNYC, local farmers, and the families who depend on nutrition benefits to put fresh food on the table!