The New York Yankees and the Food Bank For New York City have announced on Tuesday a partnership to assist Bronx residents facing heightened food insecurities in these challenging times by hosting a monthly “pop-up” food distribution at Yankee Stadium.
The distributions — which will begin on Thursday, May 20, and run monthly through at least December — will provide 500 families per month with access to shelf stable food items and fresh produce. Additionally, those receiving food on Thursday will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccinations at the Yankee Stadium vaccination site, which is open to residents of all states without any appointment necessary.
The “pop-up” food distribution program was born from our deep-rooted relationship with the Food Bank for New York City and is being implemented within the scope of the New York Yankees Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which identifies, engages and addresses issues related to equality, racial justice and inclusivity.
“Despite recent improvements in the Bronx with decreasing COVID-19 positivity rates and increasing vaccination levels, the pandemic has left deep economic scars that severely affect the ability of families to put food on their tables,” said Brian Smith, Yankees Senior Vice President of Corporate/Community Relations. “Food insecurity underlies a myriad of challenges and problems for Bronx residents of all ages, and we are grateful to our community partners, including the Food Bank for New York City, for engaging us in a dialogue about this ongoing need. The Yankees also appreciate the many Bronxites who, while receiving their vaccinations at Yankee Stadium, shared with us the details of their difficult experiences during the last year. The Yankees remain committed to positively impacting the health and wellness of the local community and addressing the systemic issues it continues to face through collaborative and sustained initiatives.
Food Bank For New York City estimates that 1.6 million New Yorkers are now food insecure due to the pandemic, including more than 340,000 Bronx residents.
“The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the lives and tighten the daily household budgets of many New Yorkers in need. With the rising cost of living, and the average cost of a meal in New York City 32 percent higher than the national average, many of our city’s working families are struggling to make ends meet,” said Janis Robinson, Vice President of Institutions and Partnerships at Food Bank For New York City. “We are so grateful to continue our longstanding partnership with the New York Yankees for helping us meet the increased need and provide health resources and nutritious meals for our NYC neighbors.”
