FEEDING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

since 1982

Dear Friends,

As September arrives, we mark the beginning of Hunger Action Month—a crucial time to raise awareness about the struggles faced by those in our communities who lack access to food or go hungry. This month calls us to take action, both individually and collectively, to combat hunger and ensure that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food. In our community, 1 in 4 children and 1 in 5 elderly guests do not have access to the food they need. These statistics are staggering, and we must continue to advocate for those who feel voiceless in our communities. At Bread and Life, we are committed to providing the necessary support to ensure that anyone who comes to our doors remains healthy and well-fed.

As we begin this fiscal year, we face a significant challenge—a 49% decrease in government food support, even as the number of those in need continues to rise. Like many emergency food programs, we are being asked to do more with less.

Last year, we witnessed a 37% increase in the number of guests who accessed our food and case management services, with 400,000 visits recorded compared to 292,961 the previous year. Our case management team worked tirelessly, setting a new record for securing benefits and services for our most vulnerable neighbors.

So, how can you help during Hunger Action Month? Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Advocate: Contact your local representatives and urge them to support programs like ours by restoring funding to emergency food services.
• Donate: Contribute to our Fill the Truck program, which kicks off this month. Even a small donation can feed a hungry community member for a day, week, or month.
• Volunteer: Offer your time to an emergency food program.

This summer, we were honored to host Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, Rich Torrisi, who toured our programs and met with guests whose lives have been transformed by the support they received at Bread and Life. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Robin Hood Foundation for making this visit possible.

We also welcomed volunteers from across the country and around the world, who generously gave their time to pack pantry and produce bags, assist at our kiosks, help in the kitchen, and work on our Mobile Soup Kitchen.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce our inaugural Mixer for Meals event on September 12, 2024, where we will honor Nancy Lara of Ponte Project Management with the Industry and Community Impact Award and Kenny Peng of TK Elevator with the Beacon of Hope Award. All proceeds from this event will benefit our emergency food programs. We offer special thanks to our dedicated committee members—Mike Nehlsen, Michele Spinowicz, Frank Fellone Jr., Bart McDade, Brian Horan, Andrew Sampson, Alexis Schamble, and Donna Zaverttieri—whose hard work has made this event possible. For more details, please see the information below.

As we bid farewell to summer, I am reminded of Margaret Mead’s words: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Thank you for your unwavering support of Bread and Life.

With a joyful heart and deepest gratitude,

Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM

Executive Director

St. John’s Bread & Life’s Fill the Truck campaign is more than just a food drive—it’s a lifeline for thousands of New Yorkers struggling to put food on the table. As we launch this campaign during Hunger Action Month, the need for support has never been more urgent. According to the New York State Comptroller, one in nine households with children in New York City sometimes or often don’t have enough to eat. Alarmingly, food insecurity rates have surged among Black and Hispanic New Yorkers since 2022, now standing at three times the rate for white New Yorkers.

Children are particularly vulnerable, with a City Harvest report revealing that one in four children in our city is facing food insecurity—a situation that has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, our city’s ability to process food assistance applications is falling short, with only about 40% of SNAP applications processed on time in fiscal year 2023. Combined with the rising cost of living, which has outpaced income for 85% of New Yorkers, this crisis demands our immediate attention.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once asked, "What are you doing for others?" By supporting Fill the Truck, regular New Yorkers have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. This campaign is a chance for our community to come together, raise awareness, and take action against hunger. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support helps. Together, we can ensure that no one in our city goes hungry. We invite you to join us in this critical effort—together, we can make a difference.

Welcoming Chef Rich Torrisi:

A Culinary Champion Visits St. John’s Bread & Life

We were thrilled to welcome Chef Rich Torrisi to St. John’s Bread & Life. As the renowned chef behind the celebrated Torrisi restaurant, known for its inventive take on Italian-American cuisine, Chef Torrisi’s visit was a true honor. His culinary expertise and dedication to community service made a lasting impression on our team and those we serve. We are immensely grateful to the Robin Hood Foundation for making this meaningful connection possible, further strengthening our shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in New York City.

Sr. Caroline Tweedy invites you to join us for an inspiring evening as we celebrate Nancy Lara and Kenny Peng, leaders in the commercial real estate industry, whose extraordinary personal and professional contributions have touched countless lives. This inaugural ‘Mixer For Meals’ event promises to be a evening filled with compelling stories, industry networking, and a shared celebration of St John’s Bread & Life’s tremendous impact on the lives of countless New Yorkers.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

St. John’s Bread & Life Joins Brooklyn Health Fair:

Providing Vital Services and Support to the Community

Click he video above to hear a few words from

NY State Senator, Jabari Brisport

important and relevant information to attendees, ensuring they were aware of the various support services available to them. Carmen's dedication and expertise helped to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to access food assistance, healthcare, and other essential services.

For volunteering, contact:

Renelle Merstil at rmerstil@breadandlife.org