At a time when food insecurity continues to rise due to inflation and cuts to food bank programs, one Queens-based nonprofit is stepping up to fill the gap.
With support from SL Green’s Food1st program and Assembly Member Nily Rozic, Commonpoint hosted its annual community meal delivery program during the Passover and Easter holiday season, distributing meals to residents in need across the borough.
This year, the organization delivered more than 2,100 meals to Queens families, homebound seniors, and individuals experiencing isolation. Staff and volunteers worked together to serve community members from all walks of life, including 100 families at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center in Forest Hills and participants in the Commonpoint Youth Opportunity Club.
To extend its reach, Commonpoint also partnered with a number of local schools, including Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, Far Rockaway High School, Forest Hills High School, John Bowne High School, Martin Van Buren High School, Pan American High School, PS 16, PS/MS 200, Veritas Academy, and August Martin High School.
Meals were distributed from the Commonpoint Sam Field Center in Little Neck, as staff and volunteers picked up meals to deliver to clients. Other meals were directly distributed to the BJCC and schools for families to take home.
Danielle Ellman, CEO of Commonpoint, highlighted that food inequity is a complex reality for many New Yorkers. “Food is a fundamental resource that all should have access to. Unfortunately, equal access to food isn’t a reality, so where there were gaps and a lack in our community, Commonpoint took the initiative to supply those needs with the help of our incredible partners, New York State Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and SL Green, who provided the meals,” Ellman said.
Besides its annual meal delivery program, Commonpoint distributes meals weekly to homebound older adults.
If you are interested in volunteering with Commonpoint, register as a volunteer at volunteers.commonpoint.org/ or contact Volunteer Services at volunteers@commonpoint.org or 732-639-1579.
