New York City Community Groups Battle Rising Food Insecurity with Thanksgiving Giveaways in Harlem

In light of the sharp increase in food insecurity in New York City, neighborhood organizations have come together to make sure locals have something to be grateful for this Christmas season.

Around 1,500 people in Harlem who needed a Thanksgiving meal were fed by The Children’s Village, which braved an October drizzle to distribute a record 900 turkeys and fruit, according to ABC7 New York. According to The Children’s Village program director Tashana Pace, “I can’t even explain the happiness inside my heart – and I’m not going to cry.”

According to New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, who told ABC7 New York, “We have seen that people that didn’t necessarily fit the profile as a family that lacked are now fitting that profile.” The initiatives signify a dire need for assistance, as one in four children in the city struggle with food access, and food pantry usage is double pre-pandemic levels.

At the same time, a job fair in East Harlem provided free turkeys to job searchers through a partnership with Youth Action YouthBuild and Bandana, an employment platform, in addition to helping them with professional headshots, interview preparation, and resume editing. Free food was provided by Cocotazo’s head chef to make the occasion more enjoyable. For individuals who wanted to know the specifics of the job fair, PIX11 gave the address and time: 206 E. 118th St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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