River Fund Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Richmond Hill helping to break the cycle of poverty, served hundreds of families with groceries, clothing and other supplies at its 31st annual turkey and food distribution event on Nov. 19.
Senator Leroy Comrie and Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo, along with representatives from the mayor’s office, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Assemblyman David Weprin, were in attendance at River Fund’s onsite food pantry, located at 89-11 Lefferts Blvd.
Families were lined up outside of the pantry where they received turkey, chicken, shrimp, new winter coats, socks, groceries and more. In total, River Fund distributed about 3,600 turkeys, serving approximately 4,400 households, according to Das, president and founder of the organization.
Prior to COVID, the organization served about 1,000 clients a month, and is now serving over 7,500 clients, Das said.
“COVID quadrupled our numbers but after the pandemic, and the other things hitting the world and our society, particularly here in New York, such as inflation where families can’t keep up, especially during Thanksgiving,” Das said. “I think things are getting more and more desperate. Our lines are increasing and we have a lot of undocumented and underrepresented communities.”
River Fund has two active days of distributing groceries. Wednesday is largely dedicated to seniors and those living with disabilities. About 1,100-plus households are served weekly, with over 15,000 people served monthly.
Saturday is River Fund’s most robust distribution serving families, individuals and seniors. About 1,800-plus households are served weekly, yielding over 26,000 served monthly.
River Fund serves a total monthly average of 41,000 clients.
A longtime staple in the Richmond Hill community, Das founded River Fund in 1991 with the mission of “feeding and empowering those we serve to move beyond the lines of poverty.” While providing hunger relief, River Fund offers nutritional education, income support and benefits enrollment services. River Fund serves more than 160,000 people every year through its programs, distribution events and other services.
According to Das, the organization has a philosophy of taking poverty seriously.
“We’re a poverty frontline center. We start with food because usually the first thing on our mind is food. We do all of the benefits — SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid, insurances, and we do a baby shower every week and back to school programs,” Das said. “The only way to make progress out of poverty is through education. We run a pantry, but it’s everything else that we feel starts to help come off the poverty line.”
Das says that he and his team of volunteers feel fortunate that they can do this kind of work, helping those in need.
“The best part of who we are is caring for each other, and I think that’s what the world is missing,” Das said. “We’re all looking for divisions and separations with shootings and things that are happening because of your identity and religion. We’re at a crossroads and we need more of us to care for each other. We have a great team of volunteers and supporters helping the community and the larger community. There’s nothing more important than helping each other and our neighbors.”
