Council Member Nantasha Williams awarded $169,411 in funding to 14 local food panties at a ceremony held at Mt. Moriah AME Church, 116-20 Francis Lewis Blvd. in Cambria Heights, on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
According to William’s office, the funding is a significant increase, representing a 75% boost from last year in response to the rising demand for local food pantries and migrants in emergency shelters. The funding allocations will support various initiatives, including traditional food pantries operated by houses of worship, senior food delivery programs, and food service programs at schools and senior centers.
Williams, who represents District 27 in Southeast Queens—covering Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, Addisleigh Park, and Springfield Gardens said in a statement that given the increased demand for food, it is important to support local hunger relief organizations. “Our food pantries are on the front lines, serving residents experiencing food insecurity with compassion and resilience,” Williams said. “This additional funding is not just an investment in these organizations but the health, stability, and dignity of our entire community.”
Funding recipients include Mt. Olivet Baptist Church of Hollis ($5,000), Greater Bethel Community Development Corporation ($34,411), Metropolitan New York Coordinating Council on Jewish Poverty, Inc. ($20,000), Mt. Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church ($15,000), Save The People Corp ($5,000), River Fund ($10,000), BHALO, Inc. ($10,000), Real Veggie Foundation, Inc. ($5,000), The Campaign Against Hunger, Inc. ($20,000), Bethel Gospel Tabernacle Church ($5,000), Greater Springfield Community Church ($15,000), Second Chance Agape Worship Center ($10,000), St. Albans Baptist Church ($5,000), and Vets, Inc. ($10,000).
The funding breakdown comes from a new equity-based funding formula created by the New York City Council to better allocate resources to districts with substantial food insecurity. Neighborhoods within William’s district rank second in hunger rates across Queens.
Dr. Maria Hubbard, Executive Director of Greater Bethel Community Development Corporation/ AGAPE Community Outreach, shared that the increased funding is essential. “With this increased support, we can expand our reach to seniors and families struggling with food insecurity across Southeast Queens,” she said.
Pastor Robert Lowe of Mt. Moriah AME Church said that local faith-based organizations are committed to helping the city’s most vulnerable. “In times like these, our role in supporting the most vulnerable is more critical than ever. Council Member Williams’ dedication to our mission helps ensure that no one in our community who is food insecure goes hungry. We are incredibly grateful for her partnership and vision for a more equitable Queens,” he said in a statement.
