Brooklyn – With winter holidays arriving during a year of public health and economic challenges, area food pantries are finding their cupboards bare and the demand for food essentials is 10 times that of prior years. In year’s past, the North Brooklyn neighborhoods of Williamsburg and Bushwick have rallied to deliver holiday food relief to families in need. And yet, we have never addressed a crisis of this magnitude and scale. Bushwick was the epicenter of the Pandemic in NYC and we faced many stark firsts, including the first COVID-19 fatality in NYC and the first COVID-related business closures in the city.

To address these dire needs, over 20 community organizations, businesses, civic councils, and elected leaders have partnered together in the spirit of giving. Today, at 2PM at the Bushwick Generator (215 Moore Street), this “North Brooklyn Holiday Relief Coalition” will host a large-scale, socially distanced HOLIDAY GIVEBACK for area residents and families. At least 1,000 “bounty boxes” will be given, complete with whole roaster chickens, fresh produce & fruit, dairy, and dry goods. Additionally, PPE, health Information, and festive treats for children will be provided. We’re also delighted to share that Santa will make a surprise visit and an area community choir will lead neighbors in caroling.

“My office along with community leaders, non-profit organizations and other elected officials are distributing over 1000 meals to individuals who need help this holiday season, unfortunately I was unable to be there, because like many of our fellow residents, I have been diagnosed with COVID-19. I am taking all the precautions and procedures advised by my doctors and I remain quarantined for the time being. I would like to thank all the volunteers and community partners along with SUN Brooklyn as we all worked together to make this Holiday Relief Food distribution possible,” said Assemblywoman Maritza Davila

As the holiday season approaches, millions of our fellow Americans are jobless and struggling to feed their families through no fault of their own. I’m grateful to have been a part of this Holiday Giveback to be able to help to secure and give out USDA food boxes in North Brooklyn. I’d like to thank all of the volunteers, nonprofits, and my fellow elected officials for showing up and helping to distribute these meals. Through the recent COVID-19 relief package, the House just billions in nutritional assistance for working families in need and I'll continue to fight to strengthen programs to help struggling New Yorkers put food on the table.” said Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez

"Spending time serving our communities during the holidays always warms my heart. We are extremely grateful to the North Brooklyn Holiday Coalition and Assemblymember Davila for her hard work and dedication in planning this event, and so many more that showed our community members throughout the year that we are always stronger together. I am inspired by the outpouring of support from the community and the solidarity with the many different organizations that helped out along the way, and I wish you all who celebrate a Happy Holidays.” said Senator Julia Salazar

“I am proud to join with colleagues in government, Sustainable United Neighborhoods, and community partners for today’s Holiday Giveback. This collaborative effort will help us lighten the load for families in North Brooklyn at a time when assistance is needed more than ever, “said Council Member Antonio Reynoso.

“This is the most beautiful example of a community coming together to support each other and our families. While people are hungry, unemployed, and struggling to pay rent, and government aid hasn’t been sufficient, the entire community organized and put their part to bring a piece of food, relief and joy during these holidays. Our communities have long been underfunded and here’s a coalition of elected officials, working with organizations, churches and leaders to ensure our people have at least a meal for the holidays,” said Samy Nemir Olivares, community organizer and District Leaders of Bushwick and Williamsburg.

“This is what the community needs, food to feed their families. The holidays are in a few days and like many others I’m glad to join these efforts to help feed the community,” said Robert Camacho, Chair of Community Board 4 in Brooklyn.

Coalition Organizer, Jay Solly, Co-Founder of Sustainable United Neighborhoods, adds, “Uniting like this helps us better serve. We are so grateful for these partners, many who have been on the frontlines with us for food relief from the earliest days of the Pandemic, and our board and volunteers are happy to celebrate with our neighbors through impactful community collaboration.” 

As our Coalition Chair, Assemblywoman Maritza Davila, says, “This is the right thing
to do. It is the just thing to do now. This holiday, we join in solidarity, as we bring food to our neighbors.”