The AICP East Chapter's ongoing Volunteer Initiative continues this September with two opportunities to support the Food Bank for New York City, the city's largest hunger relief agency. Members are invited to join us and give back to communities across the five boroughs.
The first opportunity takes place on Saturday, September 19th, at the Lehman Village Mobile Pantry, located at 1589 Madison Avenue in East Harlem, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This client choice style distribution allows community members to select the groceries that best fit their families' needs, with an emphasis on fresh produce and shelf stable items. Volunteers will help set up and break down the distribution space, manage the line, greet and check in clients, and assist with handing out food to an estimated 200 to 300 community members over the course of the day.
The second opportunity is on Wednesday, September 30th, at the Food Bank for New York City's Community Kitchen and Pantry at 252 W 116th Street in Harlem, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. This site distributes nutritious groceries and hot meals to roughly 3,000 households each month, adding up to nearly 150,000 meals annually. Volunteers will help prepare and serve hot meals, assist with pantry cleanup, and pitch in on tasks like sorting donations as needed.
Both shifts call for volunteers who are comfortable standing for extended periods and doing some physical lifting, so comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Bilingual volunteers are especially encouraged to let staff know on site, as language support is always in demand.
This is a wonderful chance for AICP East members to make a direct, tangible impact on food insecurity in New York City while connecting with colleagues outside the usual industry setting. Spots are limited, so interested volunteers should sign up soon.
To register for the Lehman Village Mobile Pantry on September 19th, click here.
To register for the Community Kitchen Dinner Service on September 30th, click here.