Berkeley College Announces Food Pantry Opening at its New York City Campus during Virtual Event on Thursday, February 25
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
MEDIA ADVISORY
BERKELEY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES FOOD PANTRY OPENING AT ITS NEW YORK CITY CAMPUS DURING VIRTUAL EVENT ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25
WHAT: The Berkeley College Foundation, in collaboration with the Food Bank of New York, is announcing the opening of a Food Pantry at its New York City campus. A virtual ribbon-cutting and tour will follow the program remarks.
WHY: In its Hunger Report published in June, 2020, the Food Bank of New York reported closings of between 28% and 50% of food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the five boroughs, many of which were in the highest-need communities. By mid-April, closures peaked at more than one-third (39%) citywide.
The Robin Hood Foundation’s Poverty Tracker monitors poverty and well-being in New York City. A key finding in its report published in November 2020 was that in September and October of 2020, 32% of adults reported that they used a food pantry at least once in the 12-months prior, an increase of more than 250% relative to January and February.
According to research published by Feeding America, overall, the share of college students with low household incomes has increased. Providing direct access to food distribution on college campuses is an optimal way to reach students in need.
City Harvest, New York City’s largest food rescue organization, reported that more than 1.5 million New Yorkers are struggling to feed themselves and their families right now, a 38% increase more than pre-COVID figures with a 33% increase in the number of visits to soup kitchens and food pantries.
WHEN: Thursday, February 25, 2021 at 11 a.m.
SPEAKERS: Jeunelle Sanabria, Director, Student Development and Campus Life, Berkeley College, will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies, followed by:
Kevin L. Luing, Chairman of the Board, Berkeley College
Michael J. Smith, President, Berkeley College
Adrian A. Council, Sr., Co-founder & Publisher, The Positive Community magazine
Dipexa Gandhi, Executive Director, Berkeley College Foundation
Amanda Williams, Manager, School & Community Based Initiatives, Food Bank for New York City
Jessica Walker, President & CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Ed Dennis, Assistant Vice President, Office of Military and Veteran Affairs, Berkeley College
Coraly Perez, Berkeley College Student Speaker
Will Moya, Vice President, Campus Operations, Berkeley College
CONTACT:
Ilene Greenfield
Director of Media Relations
Berkeley College Office of Communications and External Relations
201-207-6667 (cell)
Email: IGL@BerkeleyCollege.edu
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