As the holiday season begins, millions of New York City families are struggling with rising costs for food, rent, and other necessities. Grocery prices are rising at their fastest rate in 40 years—up more than 13% over the past year. The cost of milk has increased 18%, chicken increased 23% and eggs increased an astonishing 82%. The costs of holiday staples are surging, too. Prices for turkeys are up 21% since 2021—and 60% since the last Thanksgiving before the pandemic.

The need for food continues to outpace pre-pandemic levels. Compared to 2019, average monthly visits to New York City food pantries and soup kitchens this year remain up 69%. Even before the pandemic, 2.4 million New Yorkers were struggling to make ends meet.  To meet this need, this year City Harvest will rescue and deliver 75 million pounds of food for New Yorkers in need—nearly 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels. 36% overall and a sobering 46% among children, according to an analysis by Feeding America. Since the start of the pandemic, food insecurity rates in New York City have risen 

• 1 in 4 children in our city does not always know where their next meal will come from.
• Nearly 9 in 10 New York City food pantry users (87%) said they expect to rely on pantries more often this year because of rising food costs, according to a 2022 City Harvest survey of 16,000 food pantry users.
• Low-income families, women, immigrants, and people of color continue to bear the brunt of rising costs and the pandemic’s economic fallout.

The need remains high and we expect it to remain high for several years. I am proud to work with City Harvest, New York’s first and largest food rescue organization, and to support their mission in helping to feed millions of New Yorkers who struggle to put meals on their tables. 

Every $1 donated helps City Harvest feed two New Yorkers for a day. I will also be personally matching all donations through 12/31 up to $5,000.

Click “Donate Now” to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you in advance for anything you're able to contribute and for your compassion, generosity, and support!