At the NCJW NY (National Council of Jewish Women New York) Hunger Program, based in their Council House community center on 72nd Street, clients facing food insecurity have access to more than just food.
Their Hunger Program has been in operation for over 40 years, and currently serves over 400 families each week through its weekly Food Pantry and twice-weekly Community Kitchen. NCJW NY provides a wide variety of fresh produce, dairy products, and non-perishables at the Pantry and a fresh, three-course, nutritious meal at the Kitchen. They also provide holistic support including resources, referrals, and direct assistance to help their clients reach a higher level of economic stability, health, and well-being.
NCJW NY’s Executive Director, Andrea Salwen Kopel, explained how the program design fits into the overall mission and history of the organization. “NCJW NY was founded by visionary feminists in 1894, and we continue to operate through a feminist lens, even 130 years later. Social inequities affect women differently, and the job of feeding the family often falls upon women,” she said.
This fall, NCJW NY sat down with four of their clients to talk about their experiences and how the Hunger Program impacts their lives – both through the food they serve and the additional services they provide. Here are some takeaways.
You can help NCJW NY continue to do this holistic, life-changing work and develop programming to meet the needs of clients like Tomasina, Sharon, Yansel, and Annette. Make a tax-deductible donation to the NCJW NY Hunger Program before December 31st.
Learn more about the NCJW NY Hunger Program here.
Photographer: Blanche Mackey
