NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Food1st, the non-profit foundation launched last month to address the ongoing food crisis in New York City, today announced that it has expanded its network of restaurant partners to increase the capacity to deliver meals to frontline workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and other food insecure New Yorkers.
Food1st launched on April 23, 2020 with its inaugural partner, renowned Chef Daniel Boulud, and Chef Boulud has already delivered approximately 20,000 meals throughout New York City since launching. By re-activating more kitchens in New York City, the program simultaneously helps safely bring food and beverage staff back to work to revitalize the restaurant industry.
“Food1st was just an idea a few weeks ago and it’s inspiring to see so many partners and donors step up to feed thousands of first responders and vulnerable New Yorkers every day,” said Marc Holliday, Chairman and CEO of SL Green Realty Corp. “We’re off to a great start but we know we can do more, and hope more people will join us in supporting Food1st.”
“I am excited to welcome so many new kitchens to the Food1st program, bringing people safely back to work and bringing excellent food to New Yorkers who need it,” said Chef Daniel Boulud. “Together we are supporting the need of the COVID-19 crisis and showing the resilience of our industry.”
Food1st has added eight new partners, including: Armani Ristorante, Juice Press, Just Salad, Little Beet, Maman, New York Vintners, Stout, and Sushi Ito. The new set of partners will add capacity and allow Food1st to provide approximately 4,000 meals per day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee.
“I am happy to partner with SL Green and Chef Boulud on this important initiative. Thanks to Food1st we are able to contribute to New York in a time of need,” said Giorgio Armani. “As this crisis continues to exacerbate the ongoing food crisis and threatens to put so many restaurants out of business, it’s incredible to see so many people working together to make a positive impact.”
To date, Food1st has delivered fully-packaged, healthy meals to non-profit distribution partners and medical facilities including: Mount Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Health, Citymeals on Wheels, Services for the Underserved, The Bowery Mission, World Central Kitchen, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Montefiore Health System, and Columbia University Medical Center.
"The health and safety of our frontline workers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic has been of great importance to us. This includes providing convenient access to nutritious meals at the beginning or end of a long shift," says Grace Y. Ko, Executive Vice president for Development and Alumni Affairs at NYU Langone Health. “We are grateful to Food1st Foundation, SL Green and Chef Boulud for leading this effort.”
“During these stressful and uncertain times, the simplest gestures mean so much to our frontline workers,” said Susan Green-Lorenzen, System Senior Vice President for Operations, Montefiore Health System. “The meals we received from Food1st were both delicious and brightened our day. We’re thankful for the community support we receive on every level. The generosity and kindness of others inspires us to keep working hard for our communities, too.”
"Vulnerable New Yorkers have been hit especially hard by COVID-19 and we are seeing an unprecedented food crisis across the city," said James Winans, Interim Chief Executive Officer of The Bowery Mission. "The support from Food1st is critical to meeting this need and we look forward to partnering to feed thousands of New Yorkers."
In support of the Foundation’s mission, in its first week of fundraising, Food1st has received support from over 400 individuals and companies, which will build upon the $1 million grant from SL Green that launched the Foundation. All funds donated go directly to supporting meal preparation, packaging and delivery.
About Food1st
Food1st is a non-profit foundation formed to deliver thousands of meals daily to front-line, first responders and medical personnel, elderly New Yorkers and food insecure families. In addition to addressing the increasing demand for food assistance across New York City, Food1st will also help revitalize New York City’s food and beverage industry by re-activating restaurant kitchens to serve the City and bring restaurant staff safely back to work. For more information, please visit www.food1stfoundation.org.
Source: SL Green Realty Corp.
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