CitizensNYC, Partners Launch “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors” Crowdfunding Campaign to Support Local Food Leaders
New York, NY — In response to rising rates of food insecurity and the looming impact of federal SNAP cuts, Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC) is launching a special fundraising campaign: Neighbors Feeding Neighbors. The effort will raise emergency funds for two frontline grassroots organizations—Love Wins NYC and the Staten Island Hunger Task Force—who are leading local responses to hunger with care, dignity, and deep community roots.
An estimated 1.8 million New Yorkers are at risk of food insecurity as massive federal cuts to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) take effect. Neighborhood-based groups like Love Wins NYC and Staten Island Hunger Task Force are already feeling the pressure—meeting growing need with limited resources, and filling in gaps where systems fall short.
“These groups aren’t just distributing food. They’re organizing volunteers, building networks of mutual aid, and reminding people that they matter,” said Julie Shapiro, CEO of CitizensNYC. “At a time when public support is being rolled back, we want to step up—and we hope New Yorkers will join us.”
“The Staten Island Hunger Task Force is honored to be a part of this important initiative,” said Heather Butts, Chair of the Staten Island Hunger Task Force. “Thank you to CITIZENSNYC for being a crucial organization in supporting New York City non-profits and grassroots efforts in a myriad of ways. We applaud their commitment to fight hunger and thank them for bringing awareness to the work being done at SIHTF and Love Wins through the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors Campaign.”
“Love Wins NYC was born out of the need for all New Yorkers to access free quality fresh produce in a safe and dignified way after the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Daniel Puerto, Founder of Love Wins NYC. “We value diversity and safety while prioritizing healthy options in low-income neighborhoods. Our culturally competent operations give the community the option to choose culturally sensitive produce. We are grateful for Citizens and the community at large as you step in to support food-insecure low-income families across New York City.”
The Neighbors Feeding Neighbors campaign will run through the end of August, with 100% of donations going directly to the two partner organizations. Funds will support essential items like groceries, fresh produce, prepared meals, delivery services for homebound residents, and community organizing work around food access.
Love Wins NYC, originally founded in Jackson Heights, and now with locations in four boroughs, operates a volunteer-powered food distribution program that serves thousands each week. The Staten Island Hunger Task Force convenes and supports dozens of local food pantries, coordinating delivery and resource sharing across the borough.
This campaign builds on CitizensNYC’s long-standing commitment to grassroots leadership and community-powered solutions—values that remain central as the city faces compounding challenges related to food justice, economic inequality, and climate resiliency.
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