NYCFC will donate 100,000 meals to South Bronx residents through NY Common Pantry toward the relief effort around the COVID-19 outbreak in New York, the club announced on Wednesday.
With the largest community-based food pantry in the city, and with a particular focus on the local homeless population, NY Common Pantry’s work delivering nutritious food to New Yorkers in need in one of the hardest-hit cities in the world is critical, now more than ever.
On top of the club’s direct donation to the South Bronx, NYCFC partners have galvanized to support NY Common Pantry. BodyArmor made a critical donation of beverages last month. Goya has committed a donation of goods to NY Common Pantry which will be delivered by Dumbo Moving and Storage given the current shortage of local ground support. Xylem will be matching all funds raised by their employees with a 2:1 donation over the coming weeks.
“New York Common Pantry is a lifesaving organization and we are proud to do anything we can to contribute to this important work and help our neighbors in the South Bronx stay connected, healthy and fed during this crisis," NYCFC CEO Brad Sims said in a statement. "This is a critical time for New York City, and we are committed to helping communities and individuals, who may need support.”
NYCFC has also partnered with the New York Yankees to create a $1.4 million COVID-19 disaster relief program for NYCFC game day staff.
Additionally, NYCFC has created a resource hub — Stay Healthy. Stay Home. — to connect fans, players and staff, and mobilize outreach for NY Common Pantry. The hub includes educational materials for families, workouts from players and coaches, contributions from chief culinary coach Marcus Samuelsson and club partners.