FEEDING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

since 1982

Dear Friends,

As spring unfolds, we welcome not just a new season, but a renewed sense of hope, gratitude, and purpose. April has been a time of great celebration and reflection at Bread and Life a reminder of the power of service and the profound impact of community.

Just last week, we gathered for our 27th annual Johnny’s Angels Awards event, where we honored three extraordinary partners in service: Tom and Paula McInerney, recipients of the Johnny’s Angels Award; Coach Joann “JoJo” Persico, Head Volleyball Coach and the winningest coach in St. John’s University history, with the Dr. Pamela Shea Byrnes Award; and Ridgewood Savings Bank, honored with our Community Service Award. Each of them embodies the values we hold dear—the dignity of every person, the compassion for those in need, and the unwavering commitment to justice and equity. Their generosity, spirit, and leadership continue to transform lives in ways both seen and unseen.

This month, we are also proud to spotlight Jermont Shim, one of Bread and Life’s longest-serving team members. Over the years, Jermont has worn many hats and currently plays a vital role in our Mobile Market Program team, helping bring nutritious food—including produce, dairy, and shelf-stable items—to 29 community sites across Brooklyn and Queens, reaching over 113,000 individuals. Jermont recently completed advanced training in Supply Chain Management and OSHA certification, enhancing the efficiency and reach of our operations. His commitment is a shining example of how individual dedication fuels collective impact.

Our gratitude also extends to Food Bazaar, whose “Shopping Bag” Campaign raised over $80,000 for our emergency food programs. With specially designed bags available at more than 17 stores, this initiative provided the equivalent of 64,000 meals to those in need. Their partnership with St. John’s University’s Basketball Program through the “Free Throws for Meals” initiative added another $10,000—a slam dunk for our community!

Finally, we are thrilled to share that this year’s Lenten Appeal exceeded our goal, raising over $60,000—the equivalent of 48,000 meals for our guests. To everyone who contributed: thank you for believing in our mission and walking alongside us in this work.

As the poet Emerson wrote, “The only gift is a portion of thyself.” Every act of service, every donation, every moment of presence you offer is a powerful expression of that truth. At Bread and Life, we know that the most lasting change happens when hearts, hands, and hope come together.



Happy Spring—and thank you for being part of this journey.

With Gratitude,

Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM

Executive Director

Bread & Life's New 2025

Public Service Announcement is Here!

Click below to view:

This month’s spotlight shines on one of our most dedicated team members whose work truly powers our mission forward. A longstanding presence at Bread and Life, Jermont Shim brings years of experience and deep commitment to his current role on the Mobile Market Program team. Whether coordinating logistics or supporting community distributions, his efforts help deliver fresh, nutritious food to 29 sites across Brooklyn and Queens—impacting over 113,000 lives. With recent certifications in Supply Chain Management and OSHA compliance, he continues to strengthen the reach and efficiency of our operations.

Thank you, Jermont for your leadership and heart. You are a daily reminder of the difference one person can make!

Thanks to your generosity,

our 2025 Lenten Appeal surpassed its goal—raising over

$60,000!

That’s enough to provide 48,000 nourishing meals to our guests.

Your support during this sacred season helped

us meet growing needs with compassion and dignity.

Thank you for standing with us and fueling this vital work.

We’re deeply grateful to Food Bazaar for raising over

$80,000

through their “Together, We're Feeding Hope” Campaign

in support of Bread & Life's emergency food programs—equivalent to 64,000 meals for neighbors facing hunger. With custom-designed

bags in more than 17 stores, this effort brought community

and compassion together at every checkout.

Their collaboration with St. John’s University’s Basketball Program

through the “Free Throws for Meals” initiative added another

$10,000

—truly a slam dunk for our mission!

Last week, we were proud to celebrate the 27th annual Johnny’s Angels Awards, a night dedicated to honoring those who go above and beyond in service to others.

This year, we recognized three exceptional honorees:

Tom and Paula McInerney,

recipients of the Johnny’s Angels Award;

Coach Joann “JoJo” Persico

St. John’s University’s all-time winningest volleyball coach

—with the Dr. Pamela Shea Byrnes Award;

&

Ridgewood Savings Bank,

honored with our Community Service Award.

Each awardee reflects the heart of Bread & Life: dignity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Their leadership uplifts our mission and inspires hope in our community every day.

Stay tuned—our event recap video is coming soon!

You won’t want to miss the highlights!

This year’s report highlights the incredible strides we’ve made together—serving more meals, expanding our reach, and deepening our impact. Dive into the full report and see how your support is making a difference!

Click the image to explore the flip-book online. ➜

BREAD & LIFE IN THE NEWS

St. John's Univsersity Red Storm Sports:

A Big Win for Coach Persico—On and Off the Court! We were proud to honor St. John’s Volleyball Head Coach Joanne Persico at our 27th Annual Johnny’s Angel Awards! Known for her incredible leadership and heart, Coach Persico brings the same passion to service as she does to the game. Congratulations, Coach—you truly are a Johnny’s Angel!

Read more ›

Protect Emergency

Food Programs

Take Action Now!

As we enter 2025 under new leadership, we face the harsh reality of proposed budget cuts that threaten essential food assistance programs. These cuts impact all of us, particularly the most vulnerable members of our communities. While we had hoped emergency food providers like Bread and Life would be spared, the reality is far worse than anticipated.

Emergency food providers are on the front lines of the fight against food insecurity, serving millions of Americans. In New York City alone, more than 1.5 million residents struggle to access food, forced to make impossible choices between rent, utilities, and meals. This is a crisis that demands immediate action.

Act Now: Demand Funding for These Critical Programs

• HPNAP (Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program): Provides essential funding to emergency food providers across New York State, ensuring low-income individuals and families have access to nutritious food.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): A federal program offering food-purchasing assistance through EBT, helping families afford groceries while boosting local economies. Every SNAP dollar spent generates $1.50 in economic activity.
• CFC (Community Food Connection Program): A city-funded initiative that supports emergency food providers. Proposed cuts would reduce its budget by 58%, leaving thousands without access to healthy food.
• LFPA Agreement (Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program): Allocates federal grants to food banks and pantries for purchasing locally sourced food, supporting both farmers and food-insecure communities.

Why This Matters – And How You Can Help

Cutting these programs will push more families into crisis and overwhelm already strained food banks and pantries. Bread and Life and similar organizations are lifelines for those in need, and without adequate funding, millions will suffer.

We must act now. Contact your local representatives and demand their support for these critical programs. Your voice can make a difference.

Find out who represents you and take action today: https://www.mygovnyc.org

Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Thank you for standing with us.

For volunteering, contact:

Renelle Merstil at rmerstil@breadandlife.org