Food Giveaways Blanket Harlem Ahead Of Thanksgiving

HARLEM, NY — Giveaways of turkey, fresh produce and other essentials have blanketed Harlem this week, as neighbors and organizations stepped up amid a growing need for food donations.

The latest events included meal deliveries and turkey distributions by the Stanley M. Isaacs Center, whose Thanksgiving giveaway in East Harlem will distribute dozens of turkeys to families in need.

Earlier Tuesday, Union Settlement hosted its annual Thanksgiving food drive on East 104th Street, providing turkeys and holiday fixings to more than 300 neighborhood families.

"Food distributions for those need in Harlem are always important but have taken on a greater priority this year as families and individuals struggle to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and battle food insecurity," Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, who has joined in many of the distributions, said in a statement.

"I know I speak for all New Yorkers when I say I am grateful for everyone who has stepped up and provided donations and volunteered at the many food distributions this year throughout the borough and especially here in Harlem."

Less than a day earlier, starting noon Monday, fraternal organizations affiliated with the city's Department of Correction gave out roughly 300 turkeys at the northern edge of Jackie Robinson Park — part of the DOC's third annual "Boldest Turkey Drive."

On Thanksgiving Day from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the National Action Network will host a grab-and-go meal distribution at the House of Justice, 106 West 145th St.

Other distributions have included:

• Food baskets and turkeys given out to hundreds of residents by the Harlem Children’s Zone Tuesday afternoon

• A turkey giveaway by Joyce Adewumi in front of the 30th Precinct at 10 a.m. Monday

• A turkey giveaway by We All Really Matter in front of the Harlem WeWork starting 2 p.m. Monday

• A Sunday morning turkey distribution by East Harlem Partnership/Solutions NOW at the Taft Houses

• A turkey giveaway and food drive by the West Harlem Development Corporation and the NYPD's 26th Precinct at noon last Saturday

• Fresh produce, turkeys and holiday boxes given out by the Food Bank for New York City at their 116th Street community kitchen last Monday, Nov. 16

The coronavirus has spiked the number of food insecure New Yorkers, and all Americans, by the millions. To find a food bank in Harlem, or anywhere in the city, use this searchable map.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

This article originally appeared on the Harlem Patch