COUNCIL MEMBER VAN BRAMER URGES DONATIONS FOLLOWING ANNOUCEMENT OF FOOD PANTRIES’ NEED
COUNCIL MEMBER VAN BRAMER URGES DONATIONS FOLLOWING ANNOUCEMENT OF FOOD PANTRIES’ NEED
On the Eve of Thanksgiving, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, a long-time advocate of food pantries, joined Bishop Mitchell Taylor and New York City Coalition Against Hunger Executive Director Joel Berg for the release of the Coalition’s annual report on the state of food pantries in Queens at the Bread of Life food pantry in Long Island City.
The Coalition found that 95 percent of respondents to a survey of Queens food pantries and soup kitchens reported more people using their services with almost half responding that need had greatly increased. Other findings included that almost that funding and private supplies of food had declined for almost 70 percent of Queens agencies that support food pantries and almost 60 percent of food pantries reported that they have had to turn away hungry New Yorkers in the last 12 months.
"As we prepare to give thanks, it is important to remember those in need. During difficult times like these, food pantries such as Bread of Life provide a necessary life line to many families in our community,” said Council Member Van Bramer. ”However, need has increased at most food pantries and donations are down across the city. This combined with cuts to food pantry funding by the federal government and the rising price of food makes their jobs even more challenging. I will continue to do all I can to support the work of our pantries with initiatives like my annual food drive. I’d like to thank all those who have donated food, money and time to help fellow New Yorkers this holiday season.”
Van Bramer is committed to helping the hungry and his 2nd Annual Holiday food Drive is currently underway. The Council Member is encouraging residents to donate canned and non-perishable goods at participating Queens Libraries locations or his district office at 47-01 Queens Boulevard. Last year, residents and business owners displayed their generosity by donating hundreds of canned goods and non-perishable food items to help local food pantries supply food for families this holiday season.