Brooklyn Borough Hall Distributes 60,000 Pounds of Food for Thanksgiving

Brooklyn Borough Hall collaborated with local organizations and volunteers to distribute over 60,000 pounds of food to families in need this Thanksgiving. The food distribution event, held on November 21, 2023, aimed to address the growing issue of food insecurity exacerbated by rising food costs and a recent freeze in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the federal government shutdown.

Borough President Antonio Reynoso and his team organized the initiative, which provided turkeys, fresh produce like sweet potatoes, corn, apples, and onions, as well as nonperishable items such as pasta and rice. The food was distributed to more than 125 organizations throughout the borough, including community kitchens, houses of worship, and nonprofits focused on addressing food insecurity and homelessness.

Many organizations had pre-registered for the event, reflecting the critical need for assistance in the community. Reynoso emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “The distribution event just comes at a time when food insecurity is high. The national government is being very clear about wanting to cut SNAP benefits.” He reassured attendees that local government initiatives would continue to support Brooklyn families in need.

Community Engagement and Volunteer Efforts

With support from special partner UA3 and numerous sponsors, including National Grid and Ponce Bank, the event exceeded fundraising efforts from previous years. Volunteers efficiently packed food items into vehicles, creating a well-organized assembly line in Borough Hall Plaza.

Joyce French, president of the Community Education Council 19, noted that her organization would distribute the food to approximately 100 families. She highlighted the increasing struggle many families face amid economic challenges, stating, “The struggle is a little bit worse than it was before because not a lot of money is coming in.”

Among the volunteers were players from the New York Liberty. Guards Natasha Cloud and Rebekah Gardner took part in the initiative, demonstrating their commitment to community service. Cloud expressed the importance of family gatherings during the holiday season, stating, “I think it is still very important to prioritize and remind ourselves how blessed we truly are.”

Gardner shared her sentiments on gratitude, saying, “It’s awesome that there’s a day to recognize it, where you get to spend time with your family and do things like [volunteering] and give back.” Both players hope more communities will host similar events in the future.

Impact on the Community

As volunteers spread holiday cheer, newlyweds Patrick and Kelly paused to take wedding photos at Borough Hall and joined in the efforts. The groom remarked on the significance of the event, emphasizing, “It’s tough times right now, so this is definitely great.”

The collective efforts of Brooklyn Borough Hall, local organizations, and community members demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting families facing food insecurity. As the holiday season continues, initiatives like this serve as a reminder of the importance of community solidarity in challenging times.