How a Manhattan nonprofit has stepped up its fight against hunger in NYC amNewYork

"In the wake of the government shutdown that overnight left thousands of Americans struggling to put food on the table, the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH), a nonprofit dedicated to the improvement of the emergency food system, sprang into action. In just 24 hours, on Nov. 4, it increased the amount of food distributed per family by 50% and will keep up this level of assistance until December 20 to account for delays in disbursements. The monthly operation costs of this initiative exceed $150,000; exorbitant fees WSCAH is able to cover thanks to its savings, established infrastructure, and long-standing donor relationships."

"When Santos, a low-income Bronx resident from the Dominican Republic, first reluctantly turned to WSCAH at her friend's urging, she was at one of the lowest points of her 67 years. Depressed and fatigued, she was quickly noticed and approached by the chef whose training program she enrolled in to boost employment prospects. Through comprehensive services that transcended food alone, including a psychiatric referral, WSCAH nurtured her back to life. They took care of me like a family member, Santos said."

"Sixteen years later, she continues to honor her ties to WSCAH. Whatever I can give, I give it to this place because I owe this place. As one of the 2,000 volunteers, Santos works alongside 30 staff members to alleviate hunger across New York. We're not hiding away in offices somewhere. We're just a team trying to feed people, said CEO and Executive Director Greg Silverman, emphasizing the organization's culture of hands-on collaboration."

WSCAH increased food distributed per family by 50% within 24 hours on Nov. 4 and maintained that level through December 20 to offset disbursement delays. The emergency initiative costs exceed $150,000 monthly and are funded through WSCAH savings, existing infrastructure, and donor support. A Bronx resident from the Dominican Republic, Santos, received comprehensive services including job training and a psychiatric referral, later volunteering for 16 years. WSCAH operates with roughly 2,000 volunteers and 30 staff, providing hands-on collaboration to serve over 120,000 customers annually and expanding facilities to meet rising demand.

Read at www.amny.com