The National Supermarket Association (NSA) and its local members partnered with local elected officials across the five boroughs to distribute 3,000 turkeys to New Yorkers in need as part of their annual turkey drive.
NSA said in a statement that the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged communities across the city and has hit low-income New Yorkers especially hard, noting that demand for food has grown to unprecedented levels.
According to the Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center, the demand for food will climb from 11 to 25% by the end of the year.
To combat the issue of food insecurity, the National Supermarket Association partnered with local elected officials and community organizations to kick off their city-wide turkey drive to ensure low-income New Yorkers are able to put food on their tables for the holidays.
The turkey giveaways took place in coordinated areas that have traditionally faced food insecurity.
“We are thrilled that we can continue this annual tradition of giving out free turkeys to those who need it most. The NSA Annual Turkey Drive is a critical effort, particularly this year when people are struggling with financial burdens due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank all of the elected officials and NSA members who coordinated with us to make this event a huge success,” said William Rodríguez, President of the National Supermarket Association.
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Nelson Eusebio, NSA’s Director of Government Relations, also said, “I want to thank all of the elected officials as well as the NSA members who made this event possible. It is truly a rewarding experience to be able to give back to the community every year, especially to those who have fallen on tough times these past few months.”
An important group of elected officials also joined the National Supermarket Association Annual Turkey Drive: State Senator Alessandra Biaggi; Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY -13); Assemblywoman Carmen De La Rosa; Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams; Councilmember Fernando Cabrera; Councilmember Mark Gjonaj; State Senator Leroy Comrie; Assemblyman Victor M. Pichardo; and Councilmember Antonio Reynoso.
“Not knowing when this pandemic will end, and what the recovery may bring, it is important that we continue to practice mutual aid and work together to nourish our communities,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi.
“I commend the National Supermarket Association for continuing in their long-standing tradition of giving back to our communities, especially this year when millions of families are being faced with unprecedented challenges unlike anything they’ve faced before,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).
“I’m proud to join my colleagues on the city and state level to give away these turkeys. It means a lot having NSA to do their part to make this holiday even extra special. We are deeply grateful for all that you do for our communities,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.