New York State Assembly and Uber Partner to Donate 8,000 Free Meals to New York City Nonprofits and Institutions
Speaker Carl Heastie and Uber today announced a plan for the company to donate 8,000 free meals to nonprofits and institutions serving New Yorkers impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic. All of the organizations are on the frontlines of the city's health and economic crisis, supporting New Yorkers struggling with food insecurity, homelessness, mental health issues and more.
The 13 organizations receiving free meals are: Eastchester Heights, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc, Elmor Youth and Adult Activities in Corona, Ozone Park Residents Block Association, Bread of Life Pantry in Long Island City, Kiwanis Club of Jackson Heights, Sedgwick Houses (NYCHA) in the Bronx, Muslim American Society in Astoria, The Connected Chef in Astoria, Ebbets Field (Tenant Development), Fort Greene Council Inc, Red Hook Senior Center and Junior High School 136 in Brooklyn.
"These organizations and housing developments are invaluable assets to our communities and they need our help now more than ever," said Speaker Heastie. "Eastchester Heights, located in the 83rd AD, has for decades provided rent stabilized housing for hundreds of families. As a result of this global pandemic families have experienced financial disturbances as well as food insecurity. Thank you to Uber for their assistance in providing meals and smiles during this time. During moments like these when we all come together, we see the strength of a community."
"My sincerest thanks to Speaker Carl Heastie for his leadership and the Uber Rideshare Company for their generous donation to the Bread of Life Pantry in Long Island City in my district. This organization serves people in Queensbridge, Ravenswood and Astoria Houses with dignity and respect. I have had the privilege of working with Bishop Mitchell Taylor in support of Bread of Life for many years. We appreciate this important donation at the difficult time," said Assemblymember Cathy Nolan.
"I am pleased Uber is providing food assistance to families and seniors in the 35th assembly district. We are in the epicenter of the virus and with a large immigrant population especially hard hit by the virus. My thanks to the Speaker Carl Heastie and staff for making this happen. We are all in this together and together we will survive," said Assemblymember Jeffrion Aubry.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has managed to bring us all together as one New York. I want to thank Uber for their kindness and for stepping up to help those that need it most. I'd also like to thank all of the Uber drivers in their role as essential workers, you have provided a valuable service to many New Yorkers," said Assemblymember Félix W. Ortiz.
"Our communities have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only have we had to deal with a substantial loss of life, but many of our neighbors have lost their jobs and are struggling to feed their families. I am grateful to Uber and the Kiwanis Club of Jackson Heights for distributing free meals in our area so that nobody goes hungry," said Assemblymember Michael DenDekker.
"Every day New York's nonprofit organizations step up to help serve the needs of our communities, and during this crisis we must do all we can to support their missions and show our appreciation. Thank you, Uber, for providing these meals and working with the Assembly to identify people in need and donating these meals to local nonprofits as an expression of our gratitude for all the incredible work they do," said Assemblymember Al Taylor.
"Rising to the occasion during this terrible public health emergency, Uber's food donation to the residents of Sedgwick Houses is an important contribution to the food security of many Bronx families and I want to thank them for their generosity during this time of need," said Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner.
"So many New Yorkers are struggling with food insecurity right now. Kids are missing meals each day being out of school, seniors are struggling to access their local supermarkets, and many of our neighbors who have lost their income are unable to secure meals. The only way through these unprecedented times is together, which is why I am happy to partner with Uber Eats and local nonprofits to feed families in need," said Assemblymember Aravella Simotas.
"As we continue to support our neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic, many have found trouble finding food. This donation will help nonprofits satisfy the growing demand for food at a time that they are also struggling financially. I thank Uber for their help feeding our communities during this time," said Assemblymember Walter Mosley.
Assemblymember Michael Miller said, "During these difficult times, organizations like the Ozone Park Residents Block Association make all the difference in our communities. They provide critical information to residents and connect people to resources and services. During this time it is important that we all step up and ensure New Yorkers are cared for. Ensuring access to food and other basic necessities is vital and I thank Uber Eats for their efforts to help great organizations meet the needs of our communities."
"In a moment like this we all have to work together to support our communities, and we're proud to partner with Speaker Heastie to give back to organizations on the front lines of this crisis. We know there is more we can do, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping New Yorkers however we can throughout this crisis," said Danielle Sheridan, Head of U.S. City Operations at Uber.
Workers will receive a promo code they can use to receive a free meal up to $25 on the Uber Eats app or through the Uber Eats website (https://www.ubereats.com/). The 8,000 free meals is part of Uber's larger commitment to provide 10 million rides and food deliveries to healthcare workers, seniors, and people in need.