City Harvest’s annual food drive continues for its 30th year this holiday season with the support of actress Jenny McCarthy and sponsors Cold-EEZE and the New York Daily News. The organization, which delivers food free of charge to over 500 community programs like food pantries and soup kitchens, is aiming to raise 1 million pounds of food to feed hungry New Yorkers over the holidays. With over 21 percent of the city’s residents living below the poverty, food rescue programs like City Harvest are essential.
The drive started in late October, and goes through January 10, 2014, so there is still plenty of time to stop by any FDNY or NYPD station in the five boroughs and donate nonperishable food! The most useful items are canned fruits and veggies, canned proteins, mac ‘n cheese, peanut butter, and cereal.
McCarthy, a local resident and philanthropist (in addition to her current gig on “The View“), stopped by an FDNY station to take pictures and sign autographs for participants in the food drive. We connected with McCarthy over e-mail to ask her about the holidays and why she decided to get involved with City Harvest.
Why is the food drive so important to you?
City Harvest is the number one food drive in NYC, and I am a big believer in paying it forward – especially around the holidays. It’s not just about giving to your friends and family but looking to the needs of others as well. 1 in 5 people are in the poverty level and the effort that Cold-EEZE and City Harvest puts into the food drive every year is just proof of what this city means to me now – everyone has each other’s back and I love it!
What are you looking forward to most for the holidays?
Holidays for me is all about family–being with my family and eating great food. Holidays are the best time of year
Visit cityharvest.org to learn more about giving back in your community!
