The Campaign Against Hunger
A Community Approach to Caring
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Programs and results
What we aim to solve
In New York City, food insecurity and a lack of healthy options disproportionately affect low-income residents. Around 1.4 million rely on food pantries, with our organization significantly impacting 14,000 vulnerable families weekly through our major food pantry. We're addressing the "hunger and obesity paradox" in communities with limited access to nutritious food, leading to higher rates of chronic diseases. Our mission is to end hunger, increase healthy food access, and provide nutrition education, breaking the cycle of food insecurity and fostering healthier lifestyles.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
SuperPantry
As one of New York City's most expansive emergency food pantries, TCAH plays a pivotal role in combating food insecurity. Open five days a week, this pantry is a beacon of hope, offering fresh produce, whole grains, and lean proteins completely free of charge. Meticulously organized in line with the USDA My Plate Campaign, it ensures a well-rounded, nutritious diet is accessible to all. Daily, the pantry serves over 250 household leaders, profoundly impacting families across Bed-Stuy, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, East New York, and beyond, making a substantial difference in the lives of countless city residents.
Benefits Access Office
TCAH adopts a holistic 'community care' model, meticulously designed to address the wide-ranging needs of its clients. With dedicated benefits access offices in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, and Arverne, Far Rockaway, TCAH offers a suite of essential services. These include SNAP assistance, complimentary income tax preparation, SCRIE, HEAP, and assistance with enrolling in publicly supported health insurance programs. This comprehensive approach ensures that the communities TCAH serves have the critical support they need to flourish, reflecting a deep commitment to their overall well-being and prosperity.
Weekend Healthy Snack Program (WHSP)
In a powerful response to the critical issue of local homeless students facing hunger during weekends without access to school-provided meals, The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) actively addresses this challenge. Each week, TCAH diligently assembles and distributes hundreds of bags filled with nutritious food. This vital initiative reaches 18 elementary schools and multiple Administration for Children's Services sites across Brooklyn and Queens, ensuring that vulnerable children have access to essential sustenance even when school is not in session.
Culinary Arts Program
A transformative six-month culinary training initiative, this program empowers underprivileged youths by offering comprehensive education in food service. Participants gain in-depth skills in food production, adherence to safety standards, and essential business practices. The program not only elevates community skill levels but also opens doors to certified career opportunities in the thriving restaurant industry, fostering both personal growth and economic development.
Fresh Vibes Mobile Farmer's Market (RV Vehicles)
TCAH's innovative mobile farmer's market revolutionizes access to fresh, affordable produce, sourced directly from TCAH farms and a network of local suppliers. This dynamic initiative goes beyond just selling fruits and vegetables; it's a multi-functional hub equipped with cooking facilities, refrigeration, and storage, transforming each visit into a comprehensive service experience. At each stop, TCAH provides a plethora of services: personalized benefits counseling, engaging nutrition workshops, and interactive cooking demonstrations. Strategically stationed at colleges, hospitals, senior centers, and community events, this mobile market is not just a vendor but a vital resource, enriching the health and knowledge of communities across the region.
Community Food Distribution Center
In a decisive response to the Covid-19 pandemic, TCAH established two pivotal community food distribution centers in Brooklyn and Hammels-Arverne, Far Rockaway. These centers, functioning as vital hubs for food storage, packing, and distribution, have been instrumental in supporting New Yorkers during these challenging times. Significantly transforming the landscape of food distribution, these centers enabled TCAH to forge 250 local community partnerships, thereby magnifying its impact and ensuring food reaches those in the highest need. Their contribution to TCAH's growth has been monumental, allowing the organization to serve over 14,000 vulnerable families each week. This remarkable effort has touched the lives of over 1.5 million New Yorkers annually since the onset of the pandemic, marking a significant milestone in the fight against hunger in NYC.
Mobile Pantry
TCAH's mobile pantry is a groundbreaking solution, specifically designed to bridge the gap for New Yorkers facing transportation barriers or geographical isolation from emergency food networks. Operating in critical areas such as Coney Island, the South Bronx, and Far Rockaway, this mobile pantry mirrors the offerings of TCAH's stationary locations, ensuring access to nutritious food for those most in need.
More than just a food distribution service, the mobile pantry also serves as an access point for vital safety net programs. It provides on-the-spot screening and enrollment services for SNAP, publicly supported health insurance, and even offers free tax preparation, making it a crucial lifeline for underserved communities and a model of innovative, responsive community support.
Satellite Pantry
TCAH's satellite pantry initiative is a powerful testament to the impact of community partnership and collaboration in fostering food equity and dignity. Strategically located in partner facilities, these pantries are more than just food distribution points; they are beacons of hope in communities grappling with high meal gaps, chronic illnesses, and diet-related diseases.
With a focus on culturally relevant foods, these satellite pantries operate across over 28 council districts, ensuring that families at risk of hunger have convenient access to nutritious food. This expansive network not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also strengthens community ties, making a profound difference in the lives of those it serves and reinforcing the importance of accessible health resources.
Cyber Choice Pantry
The Cyber Choice Pantry, an innovative initiative by TCAH, represents a significant leap forward in ensuring food accessibility, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This online platform empowers clients to select their preferred foods from the comfort of their homes for delivery within a 10-mile radius of TCAH's Brooklyn Food Distribution Center and Arverne View Food Distribution Center.
This visionary approach was a strategic pivot during the pandemic, specifically designed to broaden food access for immune-compromised seniors, the working poor, and other vulnerable New Yorkers. By integrating technology into its service model, TCAH not only addressed immediate needs but also set a new standard for flexibility and responsiveness in food assistance services.
Green Teen Workforce/Internship
TCAHs dynamic agriculture workforce development programs transform the lives of disconnected youth aged 14-24 by equipping them with essential skills for success in the Green Sector and beyond. Participants actively engage in the operation of TCAHs Urban Agroecological centers, including Saratoga, Far Rock, Brownsville, and Linden farms.
Here, they learn hands-on to cultivate over 20,000 lbs. of certified all-natural fruits and vegetables, directly enhancing community food security and health. This initiative not only trains disadvantaged youth for sustainable careers in local food production but also offers a constructive alternative to incarceration. It ignites a passion for food justice, nutrition, and agriculture, empowering them to become change-makers in their communities.
Where we work
External reviews
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Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of clients placed in internships
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Ethnic and racial groups, At-risk youth, Economically disadvantaged people, Students, Unemployed people
Related Program
Green Teen Workforce/Internship
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Increasing
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Understanding that food security is crucial for the health and well-being of a community, TCAH has crafted a unique approach to fulfill its mission. This strategy focuses on introducing or reintroducing individuals in food deserts to real, nutritious, locally-grown produce and other healthy foods. We do this in a way that respects personal struggles, raises social awareness, and fosters a change in mindset necessary for lifelong healthy eating. Our goal is to educate those dependent on food pantries about the significance of healthy eating and cooking for improved health outcomes for themselves and their families.
Since our pantry is a key distribution point, it also acts as a portal to additional supportive services. To ensure a holistic approach to our patrons' needs, each first-time visitor undergoes screening and enrollment in benefits programs like SNAP and affordable health insurance, referral assessments to partner agencies, including healthcare providers, and opportunities to sign up for our free education programs or tax preparation service.
We amplify our support base and generate momentum by practicing what we preach and implementing "each-one-teach-one" educational approaches. These methods equip our clients with transferable skills, turning them into discerning, self-advocating food consumers. Our current suite of services and support programs aims to:
- Enhance access to fresh and healthy produce;
- Elevate awareness and understanding of nutrition and healthy eating;
- Encourage environmental stewardship among children and youth;
- Promote sustainable food security through advocacy, activism, and community leadership.
The anticipated long-term impact of our initiatives is a decrease in the prevalence and morbidity of diet-related chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also empowers individuals and communities to make informed choices for a healthier future.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
TCAH is committed to ensuring that low-income NYC families don't have to choose between paying bills and feeding themselves. We've established an innovative ecosystem focusing on food access, education, and urban farming to break the cycle of hunger and poverty affecting marginalized communities. Our mission is vital as domestic hunger severely impacts the social and economic well-being of communities.
Our strategic goals include:
1. Leveraging Community Partnerships through UHFC: Established in March 2020, the Urban Healthy Food Coalition (UHFC) now includes over 200 partners. It aims to provide sustainable, community-driven solutions to food and economic insecurity, making food access more accessible and trustworthy through local organizations.
2. Increasing Equity in Healthy Food Access: We've developed four food access and distribution models to offer culturally relevant, nutritious food to communities at risk of chronic illness. These models are:
- A supermarket-style pantry (SuperPantry)
- Satellite Pantry model, rooted in community partnerships
- Mobile Food Initiative with a mobile-choice pantry and Fresh Vibes Mobile Farmers Market
- Cyber Choice Pantry for online food selection and delivery
3. Integrating Wrap-around Services: Alongside food access, we provide services like public benefits enrollment, participation in community projects, and skills-building opportunities. These efforts aim to stabilize household income, improve well-being, ensure long-term health, and reduce reliance on food pantries.
4. Empowering Youth and Urban Agriculture: Our urban farming program, started in 2009 in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, promotes access to healthy produce, healthy food choices, economic growth through entrepreneurship, and community engagement. It began with a 2,000 sq. ft. farm and has expanded to 32,405 sq. ft. across multiple sites, with a new 1.5-acre site in development. The program employs at-risk teens and young adults, offering them empowerment and paid internships.
These strategic goals represent TCAH's dedication to not just meeting immediate hunger needs, but also uplifting families and transforming communities for long-term resilience and health.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
TCAH, with its comprehensive and innovative approach, possesses robust capabilities to meet its strategic goals effectively:
1. Strong Community Partnerships: Through the Urban Healthy Food Coalition (UHFC), TCAH collaborates with over 200 partner organizations. This network amplifies our reach and impact, allowing us to develop sustainable, community-centered solutions. These partnerships enable us to extend services to areas where food insecurity is most acute, creating trust and familiarity within local communities.
2. Diverse Food Access and Distribution Models:
- SuperPantry: This supermarket-style pantry offers a dignified shopping experience and a wide range of healthy, culturally relevant food choices.
- Satellite Pantry Model: With numerous community partnerships, we ensure accessibility to nutritious food across various neighborhoods.
- Mobile Food Initiative: Includes a mobile-choice pantry and the Fresh Vibes Mobile Farmers Market, addressing food access issues in geographically isolated areas.
- Cyber Choice Pantry: Facilitates online food selection and delivery, catering to those who cannot physically access our pantries.
3. Wrap-Around Services: We provide holistic support by integrating food access with essential services like public benefits enrollment, community project participation, and skill-building opportunities. This comprehensive approach aids in stabilizing household incomes and improving overall well-being, contributing to long-term health and wealth.
4. Urban Agriculture and Youth Empowerment: Our urban farming program, which began on a small plot in Brooklyn, has grown significantly, showcasing our capacity for scalability and impact. This program not only increases access to healthy produce among food-insecure clients but also fosters economic growth and community engagement. By employing at-risk youth, we provide them with valuable skills and opportunities, promoting sustainable food security and community leadership.
5. Responsive and Adaptive Operations: Our response during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the establishment of the UHFC and the expansion of our distribution models, demonstrates our ability to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging needs efficiently.
6. Commitment to Education and Advocacy: Through education programs, workshops, and advocacy, we raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and healthy eating, aiming to inspire long-term behavioral changes.
7. Infrastructure and Capacity Building: Our infrastructure, including our distribution centers and urban farms, is continually evolving to meet the growing needs of the communities we serve.
8. Skilled and Dedicated Team: Our staff and volunteers are committed to our mission, bringing expertise, passion, and dedication to every aspect of our work.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
TCAH has made extraordinary progress in addressing food security in New York City, especially since the pandemic. Here's an overview of our significant achievements:
1. Pandemic Response: TCAH mobilized to serve over 2 million community members, providing over 25 million nutritious meals. This response is a massive scale-up from TCAH's pre-pandemic impact.
2. SuperPantry and Cyber Pantry: Annually, these services reach about 48,000 unique families. They offer personalized benefits counseling, reflecting TCAH's commitment to individualized support.
3. Broad Reach: Serving residents across 145 zip codes, TCAH's reach extends well beyond Central Brooklyn, catering to diverse New Yorkers.
4. Community Food Partnerships: TCAH collaborates with over 250 community food partners through its distribution centers, impacting an average of 14,000 families weekly.
5. Diverse Partnerships: TCAH partners range from elected officials to cultural institutions like the Brooklyn Museum, ensuring food reaches those in need.
6. Meal Distribution: In the last year, TCAH distributed enough food for about 15 million nutritious meals, impacting 1,447,111 individuals.
7. SNAP and Tax Services: Over 6,450 individuals were screened for SNAP, with $70,000 in benefits returned to families. Additionally, 1,935 tax returns were filed, infusing $3 million into the community.
8. Youth Empowerment: The Youth Empowerment Program engaged 126 youths, with Green Teens growing 18,000 pounds of produce and participating in 50 workshops. They also conducted farm tours for over 1,000 at-risk individuals.
9. Voices of Change Youth Conference: Hosted in May 2023, this conference engaged 100 youths citywide, focusing on food sovereignty and advocacy.
10. Weekend Healthy Snack Program (WHSP): Serving over 2,000 kids at 21 locations, WHSP addresses weekend food insecurity, having provided over 1 million meals since its inception. Plans are underway to expand this service to serve more children.
11. Mobile Farmer's Market: TCAH expanded its fleet to reach isolated New Yorkers and those facing socio-economic challenges.
12. Urban Farming Expansion: New urban farm sites in East New York and Far Rockaway have been developed, providing nutrient-dense produce to local communities.
Demographics and Community Impact:
TCAH primarily serves poor and low-income communities in areas like Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, Ocean Hill, and East New York. These areas have high rates of poverty, low median household incomes, and significant populations of children and seniors. The organization also serves the 31st District, including Arverne and Edgemere in Far Rockaway, with similar demographic needs.
TCAH has made significant strides in combating food insecurity in NYC. Since the pandemic, it has served over 2 million people with 25 million nutritious meals. TCAH reaches 48,000 families annually through diverse programs, impacting 14,000 families weekly across 145 zip codes.
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
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The Campaign Against Hunger
Board of directorsas of 02/23/2024
Mr. Michael Wolley
Joseph Tax Services
Term: 2019 - 2023
Michael Woolley
Private Attorney
Roberts Roberts
Red Stone Equity Partners
Annie Mohan
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
James Merkin
Emerson Point Capital
Tony Argento
Broadway Stages
Timothy Fraser
Humana
Joshua Lukeman
Credit Suisse
David Mair
Kaiser Saurborn & Mair, P.C.
Spencer Orkus
L+M Development Partners
Ariel Merrick
Goldman Sachs
Natasha Castillo
Chase Bank
John Woelfling
Dattner Architects
Nykia Harley
Popular Bank
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Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
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