New York City is known as that city that never sleeps, but it’s also the city that never stops eating. There’s so many food stores and restaurants on every corner. Unfortunately, at the same time, there are 1.4 million people each year in New York City who are food insecure.
One day, I was in my cafeteria. I saw how much extra food was being thrown away. I looked online trying to see if there’s anything for schools to donate their leftover lunch, and I couldn’t find anything. So I decided, know what? I’m gonna do it. I’m gonna make something happen.
Fresh Opportunities has now partnered with over ten schools across New York City and donated over 11,300 meals to people in need. We have over 120 students packaging, labeling, delivering food and it’s just so inspiring to see this contagious energy and how much more we can get done when we come together, what’s so special about Fresh Opportunities is that our volunteers are actually going to the community fridge, going to the shelter and handing the meals to the people in need.
Tikkun olam is all about being the one to take action. I’m so proud of how big this food recovery movement has grown and how many lives we’ve been able to impact.