Teens for Food Justice

The global coronavirus has brought uncertainty and anxiety into people’s lives, workplaces, and neighborhoods, particularly for those who work to improve the health of our communities.

During this difficult time, many organizations across New York State are working tirelessly to keep people safe, especially the most vulnerable. In response, NYHealth is supporting statewide and local efforts to address emerging health care and public health needs in the wake of the pandemic. In 2020, NYHealth awarded Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) a grant to distribute fresh food to food-insecure residents of the Brownsville community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under this grant, TFFJ partnered with community kitchens to provide fresh, nutritious food to Brownsville residents on a regular basis. Boxes of fresh produce and other healthy groceries were organized each week for distribution. Residents were able to purchase the fresh food boxes using their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and prepare healthy meals at home. A delivery option was offered to seniors and other vulnerable residents unable to pick up food boxes in person. TFFJ also coordinated SNAP outreach and registration activities to help ensure more residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.

View a complete list of COVID-19 response and relief efforts grantees.