On November 19, 2023, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and officials from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York commenced the holiday giving season with a significant food distribution initiative at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Following Sunday Mass, they unveiled plans to provide Thanksgiving meals, including turkeys and traditional side dishes, aimed at supporting over 3,000 families throughout the New York area.
This event, marked by the presence of a 21-foot truck loaded with approximately 7,000 pounds of food, serves as a traditional ceremony that not only launches the Thanksgiving food distribution but also encourages community involvement in addressing local needs. “We filled a food truck with food to feed those without,” Cardinal Dolan stated, emphasizing the charitable spirit of the season.
Community Response and Ongoing Efforts
The Thanksgiving distribution began the previous week and continues this week, with an annual event planned for November 21 at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center in Harlem. During the ceremony, Cardinal Dolan expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “People are in a generous, charitable mood. Catholic Charities does this all year, every day, all the time.” He also offered a blessing for the food that will be distributed in the coming days.
Alongside the turkey and fixings, which include corn bread, collard greens, apples, potatoes, onions, milk, and eggs, the program will provide Halal Thanksgiving turkeys to 100 families in collaboration with the Islamic Society of the Bronx. In total, the charity plans to serve 750 households through food distribution sites located at various churches in Morningside Heights, Washington Heights, and the Bronx.
In addition to standard holiday offerings, Catholic Charities will provide special meals for 200 families at the Mitchell Houses, the site of a tragic building collapse earlier this year. Emergency meals will also be available for 300 households, featuring nutritious items such as lean proteins and fresh produce.
Addressing Increased Food Needs
As the demand for food assistance continues to rise, Lakisha Morris, division director of food and housing for Catholic Charities, reported an increase in the number of individuals seeking support. “There’s inflation, the halt in SNAP benefits many were receiving. We’re seeing people income-wise are in need of resources,” she explained.
The organization, a federation of around 90 agencies across ten counties, has been proactive in addressing these growing needs. J. Antonio Fernández, CEO of Catholic Charities, highlighted their long-standing commitment to the community, stating, “We’ve been blessed with many donations from private donors and corporations. We’ve been doing this for decades. Every time we run out.”
Beyond the Thanksgiving efforts, Catholic Charities operates food pantries and provides various services year-round, including case management and eviction prevention, collectively serving 10 million meals annually to hundreds of thousands of families.
In addition to food assistance, the organization is launching its annual St. Nicholas Project Shopping Day, which aims to distribute coats, sweaters, pajamas, and winter accessories to 500 individuals in need. They will also unveil the “Adopt A Family” initiative, encouraging community members to support families in need by fulfilling their holiday wish lists.
Through these initiatives, Catholic Charities emphasizes the importance of generosity and community support during the holiday season, embodying their commitment to helping those in need across New York City.