October 30, 2015

Yesterday Broadway was Brooklyn bound as some of the cast and creative team from "On Your Feet!" – the new Broadway musical based on the life and music of Gloria and Emilio Estefan – got on their feet, rolled up their sleeves and worked a bustling assembly line packing up Emergency Food Packages (EFPs) at our warehouse in Williamsburg.

Each 20-pound EFP contains the equivalent of 12 shelf-stable meals and will be delivered to the homes of more than 18,000 frail aged New Yorkers before Thanksgiving. We send an EFP to each of our meal recipients to make sure they have the essentials – and even special treats like hot chocolate and low-sugar cookies – on hand in case harsh winter weather or other emergencies delay their regular meal deliveries.

The group assembled nearly 300 boxes, only taking a short break to do the conga. Maria Torres, associate choreographer of "On Your Feet!" led Alma Cuervo, who plays Consuelo, Eric Ulloa, an ensemble member and Emilio understudy, Shannon Hammons, assistant stage manager for the show, and Citymeals Executive Director Beth Shapiro in the dance.

Shapiro commented, "Citymeals is a true lifeline to our frail aged neighbors who are isolated, and these Emergency Food Packages ensure their kitchen cupboards will be stocked with nutritious meals throughout the winter. Thank you to the 'On Your Feet!' cast and crew who took the time out of their extremely busy schedules to help pack up these vital meals for homebound elderly New Yorkers."