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FEEDING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT
since 1982
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Dear Friends,
As we begin a new fiscal year, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on the extraordinary ways our staff and volunteers have walked alongside our guests during a year marked by rising need and shrinking support. Their compassion and resilience have ensured that Bread and Life remained a place of dignity, welcome, and hope.
This past year, more than 536,087 visits (452,364 individuals and 83,723 seniors) were recorded across our emergency food programs, and over 4,000 sought case management assistance. Our case managers achieved an outstanding 90% success rate in securing both cash and non-cash benefits, totaling $14 million—a new record for Bread and Life. These outcomes are even more meaningful given the challenges facing our community: the cost of living in New York City rose nearly 12%, and in neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy, increases reached 14%, driven by rising rent, food, and utility costs. At the same time, recent Medicaid reductions and SNAP cuts have intensified anxiety for thousands of households already struggling to make ends meet.
Our goal throughout FY2026 was simple and steadfast: to walk with our guests as they navigated complex systems and to ensure that every person who came through our doors left with food, referrals, or case management assistance that offered real relief during difficult days. We expanded services to schools where children often go hungry over weekends and to parish pantries serving growing numbers of older adults struggling on fixed incomes. Although the need continues to grow, our commitment remains unwavering.
As we continue working to restore NYC Council and HPNAP funding, both of which were either eliminated or significantly reduced, we will also continue seeking private, foundation, and corporate support to ensure that we can provide the highest-quality services to those who come to us for help. Our promise endures: to serve each person with dignity, never turning anyone away, and to do so in the Vincentian spirit that guides our mission.
While we celebrated many successes this past year, one accomplishment was especially meaningful: sharing our expertise with St. John’s University and helping them open Vincent’s Table to serve students facing food insecurity. We were honored to play a small role in furthering the Vincentian mission on campus.
In June, we welcomed high school students from Camp Robin Hood for a day of service. These young people saw firsthand how emergency food programs operate and how our state-of-the-art systems help us deliver services with dignity. Their enthusiasm reminded us that the seeds of service planted today will grow into lifelong commitments to justice and community tomorrow.
As Rainer Maria Rilke reminds us, “And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been.” With each new beginning comes new hope—and together, we will continue to build that hope for every person who turns to us.
With gratitude,
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Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM
Executive Director
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At St. John’s Bread & Life, we believe no one should face hunger or hardship alone. Each year, we provide millions of meals and critical support services to thousands of New Yorkers through programs including our Digital Choice Food Pantry, Mobile Market, Grab & Go meals, Mobile Soup Kitchen, and comprehensive social service assistance. Rooted in dignity, compassion, and efficiency, our mission is to nourish bodies, restore hope, and strengthen communities across Brooklyn and Queens.
We invite you to join us on Thursday, October 8th, 2026 for our 3rd Annual Mixer For Meals — an inspiring evening of networking, hospitality, and purpose. Bringing together friends, supporters, and leaders from across the business community, this special event directly supports our hunger relief and community programs. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and contribution made helps provide nutritious meals, fresh food, and essential services to New Yorkers facing food insecurity and financial hardship.
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We're Officially on TikTok!
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Follow us on TikTok for a
behind-the-scenes look at life at Bread & Life.
From our day-to-day operations to inspiring stories from our staff, volunteers, and guests, you'll get an inside look at the people and moments that make our mission possible.
Join us as we share hope, community,
and the impact we're making together—one video at a time.
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Don't have TikTok but still want to see our latest storytelling series?
Click below to view them on any of our other social channels!
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This month, we are proud to recognize Chris and Andrew, the dynamic duo behind our Produce Department at St. John’s Bread & Life!
As dedicated pantry volunteers, they work side by side preparing and organizing fresh produce to help ensure our neighbors receive high-quality, clean, nutritious food. They joined our team on their own initiative after family members connected them with our organization, hoping they would have the opportunity to work alongside others, build meaningful social connections, and find purpose in their daily lives.
Since then, Chris and Andrew have become valued members of the Bread & Life family, bringing positivity, dedication, and teamwork to everything they do.
Outside of volunteering, Andrew enjoys collecting plushies, while Christopher has a passion for collecting miniature cars. We are incredibly grateful for their hard work, cheerful spirits, and dedicated commitment to serving our community. Thank you, Chris and Andrew, for all that you do—you truly make a difference, and we are honored to have you as part of the St. John’s Bread & Life family.
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THE CITY REPORTER
Local News for New Yorkers
Stolen Food Stamp Funds Leave Thousands Hungry as New York Sleeps on Reforms
by Rosa Goldensohn
June 25, 2026, 10:49 a.m.
| | At St. John’s Bread & Life in Bedford-Stuyvesant, guests are able to choose 10 grocery items from the pantry and sometimes, if there’s enough, a bonus item or two. The supply is meant to last people at least three days, and people can pick up there every two weeks. For the in-between times, staff suggests other pantries, urging people to call ahead in case they are closed or out of food. | | |
Workers distribute food at the St. John’s Bread and Life pantry in Bed-Stuy provided fresh produce, May 26, 2026. Credit: Alex Krales/The City Reporter.
Sister Caroline Tweedy, St. John’s executive director, said the urgent needs caused by skimming have gone unresolved because of who it affects.
“It’s because of the population being served. They’re poor people who don’t have a voice,” she told The City Reporter. “So, they kind of brush off to the side...
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Earlier this week, Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman and her team of interns rolled up their sleeves to volunteer at St. John's Bread & Life, helping us serve our neighbors with dignity and compassion.
During her visit, we had the opportunity to ask Assembly Member Zinerman about her experience and why supporting organizations like Bread & Life matters.
Watch the short interview below to hear her reflections on the importance of community service and working together to fight food insecurity.
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Thank You, St. Francis Prep Students!
Over the past two weeks, we have had the pleasure of welcoming students from St. Francis Preparatory School as volunteers at St. John's Bread & Life. Their enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and warm smiles made a meaningful impact as they helped support our mission of serving neighbors in need.
We are grateful for their dedication and proud to provide an
opportunity for these remarkable young people to gain valuable
experience while giving back to their community.
Thank you for your compassion,
service, and commitment to making a difference!
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Throughout the month of July, gifts were made in
honor or in memory of the following individuals:
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Barbara McGarvey
Joan Holmberg
Jim and Tom Swords
Dave, Pauline, and Ed Gareau
Grandma Ruth
Michael Porto
Sr. Maureen McDade for 60th Jubilee anniversary
Helen Lowe and our nation's 250th anniversary
Mary P. Tobin (Past Bread & Life Chair)
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Did you know many companies will match charitable donations made by their employees — often dollar for dollar?
St. John’s Bread & Life now makes the process easier than ever through our online giving forms. Simply enter your employer’s name when making a gift to instantly see if your company offers a matching gift program and access the necessary forms and instructions.
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A matched gift can provide twice the meals, panrty staples, and support for families facing hunger and hardship across NYC — all at no additional cost to you.
Every $1.19 helps provide a meal to a neighbor in need. When your gift is matched, your impact doubles!
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Click below to view our latest promo video:
Hope in Action: The Quiet Work of Kindness
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