The 2024 Food Empowerment Grocery Giveaway kicks off on May 2nd!

The impact of the pandemic on issues of food security has been profound; in New York City, the levels of food insecurity have risen over 36% since 2020, with an estimated 1.5 - 2 million people in the city with limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate, safe food. Food insecurity is more prevalent in households with children, and disproportionately impacts women of color.

Our food distribution program, CARE (Culinary Access Relief Events), was conceived and launched during the pandemic to respond to the growing population of food insecure people in New York City and more specifically our local Brooklyn community.  The program allowed us to rehire graduates of the Drive Change Fellowship, that had been laid off during the early days of the pandemic, to prepare food for the events and support them with access to mutual aid, financial literacy courses and therapy. 

Each year since 2020, we have increased our reach with weekly distribution of nutrient rich, culturally appropriate groceries and meals. Unlike traditional food pantries, CARE is thoughtfully curated with our local community at the center.  We have worked to understand the needs of local residents and in order to ensure the contents distributed meet those needs. In 2022, our staff, fellows and graduates will prepare and distribute meals to 200 families per week between April and November. We will also source our produce from GrowNYC.

Drive Change believes in fostering growth within our community, with an emphasis on maintaining the dignity of those we serve. Further, we believe that food sovereignty is the right of all people: that everyone should have the right to design and maintain their own food systems, in regard to what is culturally appropriate, healthy, and sustainable. CARE grew out of these beliefs, and from our commitment to providing access to free, nutritious food to members of our neighboring communities who are navigating food insecurity.

While New York City has launched several new public food programs in response to the pandemic, the majority of initiatives that get food directly to individual citizens are driven by community-led organizations. We at Drive Change invite you to join us in empowering our neighbors, as we work towards creating a healthier and more equitable New York for everyone.