New York Common Pantry Appoints Elaine Clark as Chair of the Board
Holistic approach to combating hunger sees rising demand as millions face food insecurity
NEW YORK, July 15, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- New York Common Pantry (NYCP), the state's largest community-based food pantry, announced that Elaine Clark has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors effective July 1. Elaine will be responsible for the oversight and direction of all NYCP committees, board meetings and fundraising.
Elaine previously served as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors. She has been involved with the NYCP since 2010, volunteering and serving on the Board's Personnel and Volunteer Committees. She is a Managing Director and Regional Head Corporate Communications with ING Financial Services LLC (ING). She has facilitated ING's involvement with the charity, notably with its Thanksgiving turkey distribution and holiday meals, as well as its involvement in NYCP's Fill The Bag Benefit, its main annual fundraising event.
"Food security is an issue that impacts millions of New Yorkers. I am grateful to be part of an organization dedicated to solving this problem by providing healthy food options and a suite of services designed to help people get on their feet and restore dignity," said Elaine. "I will support NYCP in continuing to empower people in need with the resources, tools and education to become self-sufficient and independent. I want to thank ING for allowing me to do this and its commitment to supporting this community and fostering sustainability."
NYCP reduces hunger and promotes dignity, health and self-sufficiency. While working to reduce hunger and food insecurity the charity also seeks to establish long-term independence for those they serve, including the homeless, families living below the poverty line, veterans, senior citizens and single parents. They have food management programs in which they collect food (Food Rescue) through donations, distribute nutritious, fresh food pantry packages (Choice Pantry), provide balanced breakfast and dinner (Hot Meals) and offer supplemental food for seniors aged 60 and over (Nourish).
NYCP's team of case managers support visitors accessing financial resources and benefits (Help 365) and connects homeless visitors to resources and support (Project Dignity). They offer free nutrition education (Live Healthy!) to adults, children and families eligible to receive resources through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – encouraging participants to embrace resiliency skills and offering support to improve their overall quality of life.
"Unfortunately the economic growth of the past decade has not benefited everyone equally. Rising living costs and wealth disparity have contributed to more people than ever coming through our doors. Last year alone there was a 40 percent increase in meals served at our Choice Pantry Bronx location, and an increase of 24 percent more Hot Meals served," said Stephen Grimaldi, Executive Director at NYCP. "Elaine's dedication to the NYCP is an invaluable asset as we look to meet the community's evolving needs."
NYCP programs in Manhattan, Bronx and mobile locations in four boroughs provided more than 6 million meals in 2018. Over 80 percent of the food came from donations, including from local establishments. The organization relies on community partners and sponsoring organizations for volunteers, funds, food and other donations. To find out more about getting involved, donating and volunteering, visit this site: http://nycommonpantry.org/
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SOURCE New York Common Pantry
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