Hundreds of New Yorkers lined up around the block in Washington Heights on Saturday, not for a sale at a sneaker store, but for free groceries.
The giveaway marked the launch of a new monthly food distribution program at the three UPNYC stores owned by Grammy-nominated rapper and philanthropist Fat Joe.
The initiative will provide free bags of produce and groceries at locations in Washington Heights and Inwood in Manhattan, as well as in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx, with the goal of expanding access to healthy food in neighborhoods facing economic challenges.
“People are really hurting right now in many, many ways,” Fat Joe said. “People don’t know whether to pay the light bill or feed the family. It’s really bad out here. So let’s not be fooled by parades and this and that. It’s bad out here. So we got to always think about the people.”
The Bronx-born artist said his commitment to community service was inspired by his mother.
“We from the projects and my mother always kept the door open,” he said. “There would be random people from the building making sandwiches in the kitchen and all that. She always had a big heart for giving back.”
Saturday’s distribution was organized in partnership with Food Bank For New York City and the Shawn Carter Foundation, founded by Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter.
Gloria Carter, Jay-Z’s mother, said the effort reflects the importance of community support.
“I was raised on a block where we considered ourselves a village,” Carter said. “The neighbors looked out for you because you were family. So, I try to keep that family going and keep connected. Because once you start separating, a lot of times, you don’t grow.”
According to Food Bank For New York City, 1.4 million New Yorkers experience food insecurity. The organization says the summer months can be particularly difficult for families because many students lose access to school-provided meals when classes are not in session.
Organizers said the next food distribution events are scheduled for July 18 and Aug. 15.
