Community Shows Up To Support UWS Food Pantry’s Kitchen Renovation

By Jon Methven

The Advent Food Ministry’s efforts to revamp their kitchen space caught momentum this week as donations poured in. The organization is looking to raise $55,000 through GoFundMe to upgrade their equipment, which will allow it to address a citywide growing hunger-relief issue.

That link again: https://gofund.me/e9e00a4b

The momentum began with an article in West Side Rag on Tuesday. From there, donations poured in as New Yorkers showed up as they always do. A news team saw the article and sent a crew to film a segment on the efforts, which is set to air soon. A local resident, a professional knife sharpener, offered to whet the team’s blades for free. The heartening community spirit comes in the run-up to Advent’s Thanksgiving lunch, which is set to commence this Saturday at noon. As of press time, the fundraiser had reached nearly $23,000.

What a difference a week makes. At the beginning of November, the financial challenge of upgrading the kitchen, including an expensive double convection oven, seemed insurmountable. On Friday, as volunteers cooked turkeys, a secret stuffing recipe from Advent’s oldest volunteer, and packed grocery bags, the kitchen buzzed with possibility — along with the buzz of the knife specialist, who remedied the dull blades. By the end of 2024, the group will increase hot meal output by 40% to serve an influx of New Yorkers in need. The renovation will mean over 500,000 annual meals will be served to families, senior citizens, and anyone in need.

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