Cool in Your Code

Yorkville Pantry

Almost one third of New York City had difficulty buying food in 2005. One organization is trying to help. Yorkville Common Pantry, one of the city’s largest emergency food providers, is combating hunger by providing a nutritious Thanksgiving meal to 1200 families. Though the pantry is open 24 hours year round, the holiday delivery is the largest. “No matter how many people come, we will have enough for everyone,” said Daniel Reyes, YCP Program Director. The pantry is unique for never turning anyone away, and promoting dignity and self- sufficiency. “We don’t make our families line up outside the building,” said Reyes. “They come into a welcoming environment and can sit down and have a rest if they want to.” Volunteers are essential to the pantry’s operation. “Our need is so drastic,” said Gladys Ortiz, Volunteer Coordinator. “Two Thanksgivings ago, a client just started crying [when] we gave her a turkey,” said Ortiz. “She said, ‘if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t even have Thanksgiving dinner with my family.’”

www.ycp.org

1429 Fifth Avenue, 10035

Filed under: local flavor, 10029, caring code, east harlem, food bank, hungry, manhattan, soup kitchen, volunteer