Feeding NYCHA Residents All Summer Long 

This summer, NYCHA partnered with the NYC Public Schools Summer Meals program to help connect children and families with free meals at community sites across the city. From June 29 to September 4, 70,345 meals were distributed to NYCHA residents and community members in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. 

The NYC Public Schools Summer Meals program has worked with NYCHA resident leaders for 21 years, providing residents with an opportunity to earn income while helping their neighbors access healthy meals during the summer months. 

Brooklyn had the highest number of meals served, with 30,233, followed by the Bronx with 26,025, Queens with 8,104, and Manhattan with 5,983. Among the participating NYCHA sites, Throggs Neck served the most meals at 11,924, followed by Beach 41st with 8,104, University Rehab with 6,323, and Clay Avenue (Claremont 2) with 5,403. 

“I’d like to thank Jade Holden and Denise Guess from [NYCHA’s] Office of Public-Private Partnerships for reaching out to bring this program to Marlboro Houses,” said Paula Jenkins, President of the Marlboro Houses Resident Association, whose development served 2,368 meals this summer. “It is an amazing initiative, and I’ve seen how many families in our development truly need and depend on it. The kids were wonderful — they even pushed their parents to make sure they arrived on time — and the parents were extremely appreciative and friendly. I’d also like to express my gratitude to the food handlers at John Dewey High School and Kevin, who delivered the meals every day.”