Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Flushing) visited South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) to announce a $50,000 state grant that she secured to support the non-profit’s food pantry operations. As many families face uncertainty and financial strain due to the shutdown’s disruption of critical services and benefits, SACSS continues to serve thousands, meeting the rising demand for culturally appropriate, nutritious food in Queens.

"We are deeply grateful to Assemblywoman Nily Rozic for her continued support of SACSS and the $50,000 grant that will help us meet the critical needs of 250 families who rely on SACSS’s Food Pantry for culturally appropriate food,” said SACSS Executive Director Sudha Acharya. “This funding will also support our community programming efforts, including job readiness, to uplift underserved communities."

“Families across New York are still struggling to feed their families due to the uncertainty around SNAP payments and other impacts from the federal shutdown,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “This funding ensures that SACCS can continue its vital work in fighting food insecurity and providing stability for those who are most impacted.”

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Flushing, SACSS has long been a trusted community institution, serving over 500,000 New Yorkers a year, in over 18 languages. Their mission empowers immigrant and low-income residents through access to food, healthcare, social services, and beyond. The food pantry program currently provides fresh produce and staple items to thousands of households, including families with special needs, pregnant mothers, and homebound seniors, spanning various ethnic backgrounds.

Additional community investments recently announced by Rozic include a $250,000 grant for the FDNY to replace two deteriorated mechanical garage doors at local firehouses, a $250,000 grant to restore the tennis courts in Kissena Park, and a $350,000 grant for a new local volunteer ambulance for Queens Hatzolah.