City Harvest
City Harvest is New York City's first and largest food rescue organization, having rescued and distributed over one billion pounds of food over the past 40 years.
History of City Harvest
City Harvest, established as New York City's first and largest food rescue organization, has been in operation for over 40 years. Throughout its history, City Harvest has rescued and distributed over one billion pounds of food. The organization's extensive experience includes disaster response, providing crucial food assistance during events such as 9/11, the Great Recession, Superstorm Sandy, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
City Harvest's Services
City Harvest offers a range of services including food rescue, food distribution, nutrition and culinary education, and disaster response. The organization rescued surplus food from nearly 2,000 partnering food businesses, and annually distributes over three million pounds of fresh produce to nearly 10,000 households through its Mobile Markets®. In addition to these services, City Harvest runs the Feed Our Kids Food Drive and provides tailored nutrition education classes for various age groups.
City Harvest's Fleet
City Harvest operates an extensive fleet to support its food rescue and distribution efforts. The fleet includes 24 food rescue trucks, three tractor trailers, and one van. This fleet enables the organization to efficiently deliver rescued food to over 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, and community food programs across New York City, ensuring that surplus food reaches those in need.
City Harvest's Community Impact
City Harvest's impact on the community is significant. The Cohen Community Food Rescue Center, located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, serves as a central hub for food rescue operations. Programs such as the Kosher food rescue, which has delivered over 84.5 million pounds of kosher food since 1999, and the Halal food rescue, which delivered more than 2.8 million pounds of halal food last year, highlight the organization's dedication to meeting diverse dietary needs. Additionally, their True Cost of Living Report reveals that 50% of working-age New York City households lack sufficient income to meet basic necessities, underscoring the necessity of City Harvest’s mission.
Nutrition Education and Advocacy
City Harvest is dedicated to not only providing food but also offering nutrition and culinary education through classes tailored for children, teenagers, parents, and seniors. The organization also actively engages in advocacy efforts to address the root causes of hunger and works to strengthen government programs. This comprehensive approach helps promote long-term food security and nutritional well-being in the community.