FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A DINNER FOR THE TABLE

It is often said that food is love. Food brings us together, strengthens our bonds, refreshes our minds and bodies, and comforts us when times are hard. Unfortunately, for many families in Brooklyn, food is a source of worry, not comfort, because they don’t know where their next meal is coming from. When they do find something to eat, fresh fruits and vegetables – the kind of vital nourishment they need most – are often unavailable or too expensive.

That’s where The Table comes in. Recognizing the prevalence of food insecurity in south Brooklyn and its negative impact on health outcomes, the family health centers at NYU Langone Health launched the Table Food Pantry in April 2019. The Table has a holistic model, providing community members emergency food but also connecting them to a continuum of wrap-around services, including access to SNAP food stamps and other benefits and resources. The goal is to ensure long-term food security and support the health, stability, and self-sufficiency of the entire family.

"UNLIKE MOST FOOD PANTRIES WITH NO FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, THE TABLE PARTNERS WITH BROOKLYN GRANGE ROOFTOP FARM TO PROVIDE A BOUNTIFUL ARRAY OF PRODUCE TO THE COMMUNITY"

Grown organically on a rooftop just blocks from the pantry, produce is handpicked by farmers on the day of distribution. They grow culturally appropriate and nutrient-dense crops that best serve the specific community.

The Table provides food to more than 50,000 people each year and distributes over 34,000 lbs of produce tailored to the needs and traditions of the local immigrant community. The partnership between the Table and Brooklyn Grange is entirely funded by private philanthropy.

If you would like to donate or get involved, visit https://nyulangone.org/give/fundraise/tablefoodpantry

Words by Lauren Sands

Photography and Event Design by Eve Singer

Floral and Plant Design by Love Me Not Floral

Dinner was prepared by chefs Kyle Eakins and John-Michael Prego