Hunger is big, but our LOVE is bigger.

 

History:

It was established in Dec 1987, by Dr. Rev. Tom Mahairas and Mr. Jewel Jones as a response to the critical and pressing issues of drug addiction, homelessness, and poverty in Inwood and Washington Heights during the 1980s.

 

The NYC Love Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that addresses food insecurity and hunger in New York City. The organization focuses on providing meals and supplemental groceries to needy individuals, particularly those who are underserved or experiencing hardship. It serves as a community-driven initiative, aiming to alleviate food insecurity by offering fresh, nutritious meals to residents in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. We currently have over 65,000 households depending on our aid which approximately represents more than 380,000 persons.

 

Key Aspects of NYC Love Kitchen:

 

Meal Distribution: The NYC Love Kitchen provides free meals to vulnerable communities, including people experiencing homelessness, seniors, children, and low-income families.

 

Supplemental Groceries: The NYC Kitchen provides our communities with supplemental groceries weekly through our community pantry and mobile pantries.

 

Asylum Seekers Aid: Since 2021, the NYC Love Kitchen responded to the immigration emergency by offering food, hygiene items, clothes, language education, and immigration services to asylum seekers in NYC.

 

Community Outreach: The organization often partners with local community centers, hospitals, city agencies, shelters, universities, and outreach programs to distribute food and resources to those who need it most. We are proud to say we have over 45 partners.

 

Volunteer-Driven: Volunteers play a key role in preparing and distributing food, helping to create a sense of community and support among those involved.

 

Focus on Healthy, Nutritious Food: The NYC Love Kitchen emphasizes providing healthy, wholesome meals, which is crucial in combating not just hunger but also related issues like malnutrition and poor health outcomes.

 

Mission:

The mission of the NYC Love Kitchen is rooted in providing not just food, but also a sense of hope and community for people experiencing food insecurity. The organization seeks to create a supportive environment where individuals can come together and receive the help they need.

 

In addition to meal distribution, the organization may provide other services and support to help individuals and families get back on their feet. This includes partnerships with local businesses and other charitable organizations to expand their impact.

 

How It Works:

 

Meal Prep and Delivery: Our certified staff prepares meals in kitchens, and the food is served or distributed through various community partners.

 

Focus Areas: The organization focuses on neighborhoods in need, especially in areas facing high rates of poverty and food insecurity, and it regularly reaches out to those living in shelters or on the streets.

 

The NYC Love Kitchen is an important part of the network of grassroots organizations working to reduce hunger and support New Yorkers in need, helping to make a tangible difference in their communities.

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Our passion is born out of the Love of God for humanity.  In Matthew 25:35-36;40 (ESV) Jesus said: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me... And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."

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Feeding and Mending lives with the Bread of Life.