September 9, 2014

Recently determined to have the nation’s highest levels of food insecurity, the South Bronx is home to some of New York City’s most vulnerable and frail aged.

Thanks to the generous support of the Leon and Toby Cooperman Family Foundation, Citymeals can now guarantee meals for the homebound elderly living in this community over the next two years!

The foundation is led by philanthropist and businessman Leon Cooperman, Chairman and CEO of Omega Advisors, Inc. Born and raised in the South Bronx, Mr. Cooperman discussed why this cause resonates so deeply with him in a recent New York Times article. “I’d like to help other people who are less fortunate and are in need. I think it’s disgraceful that people go hungry in our country.”

Mr. Cooperman’s grant is also the inspiration behind the new Citymeals Guardian Program through which donors (either individuals or groups) who give $100,000 or more can create a dedicated funding source for meal preparation and delivery in specific boroughs or neighborhoods. As our Guardian of the South Bronx, we have established a matching challenge in Leon Cooperman’s name that will double his initial donation of $183,000.

Citymeals Executive Director Beth Shapiro explained, “Thanks to the enormous generosity of Leon Cooperman and his Family Foundation, thousands of frail homebound seniors in the South Bronx now have a guardian angel. They no longer have to wonder where their next weekend meal will come from. This gift will help Citymeals ensure that New York City’s frail, isolated elderly know that they are not alone and they have not been forgotten.