Jawonio recently launched a new food pantry called HEART—Helping Employees and Individuals Access Resources Together—on its New City campus. This initiative aims to support both staff members and the individuals they assist who might be facing food insecurity.
Backed by a $120,000 grant from The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and New York State Industries for the Disabled, the pantry is designed to help fill the gaps for those in need. On the opening day, many people, including staff and clients, visited to gather food items. Eric, a visitor, shared how helpful the pantry is for his household: “It’s perfect for grabbing a couple of things we might need.”
Katherine, a direct support professional at Jawonio, also sees the pantry as crucial. She packed bags for individuals in wheelchairs, noting, “These days are very challenging. This helps with food insecurities many face.”
Randi Rios-Castro, Jawonio’s CEO, emphasized that many staff members work overtime yet still struggle with expenses. “This is our way of trying to help them as best we can.”
The pantry is part of a 12-month pilot program intended to collect data on food insecurity within the community. Maureen O’Brien, CEO of NYSID, expressed hope that the collected information can advocate for similar initiatives statewide.
Volunteers and individuals with disabilities from a pre-vocational program operate the pantry, helping them gain valuable experience. Jawonio will open HEART twice a month for its employees and clients.
Food insecurity is a growing concern across the nation. Studies show that nearly 10% of households face this issue. As communities adapt, initiatives like HEART can make a significant impact by providing essential resources and support.
For more on food insecurity and community programs, you can explore reports from the USDA or visit Feeding America.
