Volunteers from across New York City came together in Queens to help feed those in need Sunday, in part to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ahead of Monday’s national day of service on the holiday named in his honor.
Each week, Joseph Ruiz and his wife come to the food pantry where the event was held, to receive food donations. “Very appreciative, I love this place” he told NBC New York. Ruiz also collects food for his mother and says his two jobs are not enough. “My mom can’t pick up no more, she’s disabled… this is survival food right now… It’s good that they do this for the community, for people to have food.”
Joseph Ruiz thanks a volunteer as he picks up food donations for his family during the “MLK Serve-A-Thon” Sunday. (Image: NBC New York)
Kehilat Food Pantry co-hosted the “MLK Serve-A-Thon” in partnership with Hunger Free America, a nationwide anti-hunger advocacy organization.
“Dr. King understood that the fight for civil rights was inextricably tied to the fight for economic rights and to end poverty and hunger,” said Hunger Free America CEO Joel Berg. Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov, the co-founder of Kehilat Food Pantry, added that “When it comes to food insecurity, it doesn’t discriminate against race (or) religion.”
Volunteer Elaine Meyers is retired from New York City EMS and worked at Ground Zero in the hours after the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. She finds happiness in giving back. “Born and bred, raised in Queens. So, whatever I can do,” said Meyers.
Elaine Meyers (left) worked at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks in Lower Manhattan. She now volunteers her time helping to hand out food donations. (Image: NBC New York)
“Dr. King would want these initiatives and people who want to support initiatives to be doing them all year round,” New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams told News 4. He was one of the local officials who joined in the day of action. “We’re here for action, helping everyone, make sure that no one goes hungry today,” said Dr. Helen Arteaga, the city’s new Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services.
According to the New York City Council, the city’s poverty rate is almost double the national average.
“Everything is expensive,” said Ruiz. “This place gives us at least hope that, at least, when you’re hungry, you can come here and survive still.”