MLK Day of Service

Every year the Community Healthcorps team at IFH is sure to make MLK Day a day of service. In the past we have often teamed up with City Year to do some colorful painting projects at local schools.

This year we teamed up with New York City Coalition Against Hunger to spread the word to our local communities about the food stamp and WIC programs. These programs are so important to make it easier for folks to get the food they need. In 2009, over 55% of local food pantries didn't have enough food to meet the need. According to NYCAH, nationally, only 66 percent of people who are income-eligible for food stamps receive them. In New York City, roughly 700,000 people are eligible to receive food stamps but don't get them. There is clearly a huge need to get the word out about the program!

Our group was sent to grocery stores accross Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Although it was chilly, members succeeeded in getting many families and individuals screened for food benefits that might not otherwise have known about the program.


Our group that helped out in the Bronx.

If you'd like to learn more about hunger and NYC, be sure to check out NYCCAH's website for loads of resources and ways to help!