For New York City’s most vulnerable population – the homebound elderly – extreme weather conditions are especially dangerous. In winter, snow and ice can trap our meal recipients inside their homes, and summer heatwaves put them at risk for dangerous heat-related illness. Many of our older neighbors spend more time behind closed doors during these seasons, making them especially susceptible to hunger and isolation.
That’s why our warehouse buzzes with activity seasonally as staff assemble Emergency Food Packages (EFPs) for our meal recipients. Each EFP contains several ready-to-eat meals and additional items, including staples like tuna, organic brown rice, vegetables and applesauce – as well as special treats like hot chocolate and low-sugar cookies.
EFPs are a lifeline for our isolated older neighbors, ensuring their kitchen cabinets are well-stocked if our regular meal deliveries are delayed.
Last year, Citymeals provided over 160,000 packages to our meal recipients.
See our work in action in the video below:
Jewel, 78, rarely leaves her Bronx apartment. She's become good friends with her deliverer, Marco, who brings the daily meal she counts on. Read more
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We are able to promise that 100% of your donation will be used for the preparation and delivery of meals, thanks to our partnership with the City of New York, Citymeals board members and certain designated grants for administrative expenses.
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