The government shutdown and cuts to critical programs mean more families are going hungry—almost 1.8 million New Yorkers who receive SNAP may receive only 50% of their benefit this month, and federal employees remain without pay. WSCAH is responding by distributing over 12,000 turkeys, pork shoulders, and other holiday staples, and increasing our food allotment by 50% for as long as this crisis continues—your urgent support makes this possible.

We know that there is high demand for meaningful volunteerism around the holidays, and VolunteerFest is our answer. From Friday, November 21st through Saturday November 22nd, WSCAH will host 24 hours of volunteerism packing and distributing healthy food to families in need. These opportunities include options for people ages 6 and up.

New York City’s emergency food infrastructure is under immense strain as federal, state, and city support rapidly erodes. The burden is shifting to communities, nonprofits, and volunteers who are already stretched thin. The urgency to act has never been greater.