St. John's Bread & Life | May E-Newsletter

FEEDING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

since 1982

Dear Friends,

May is a month of renewal, a time when blossoms emerge and the world quietly reminds us that even after the harshest seasons, life finds a way to begin again. This spirit of renewal is not only reflected in nature, but in compassion, we show one another every day.

I am deeply honored and humbled to share that I was recently named one of Robin Hood’s 2026 New York City Heroes. This recognition belongs not to one individual, but to a community, each of you, who believes in standing beside our neighbors in need. Robin Hood, New York City’s largest poverty-fighting philanthropy, continues to build powerful bridges between those who have the means to help and those striving for stability. It is an inspiring reminder that when we reach out to one another, real change becomes possible.

Today, the challenges facing so many in our city are growing more urgent. As the cost of food, fuel, and everyday essentials continues to rise, far too many families are being pushed to the brink. One in three New Yorkers is struggling to make ends meet, and new SNAP changes beginning June 1st will bring even more people to our doors in search of relief. These are not just statistics they are our neighbors, friends, and families.

Yet in the face of this need, there is also hope.

Through strong partnerships with organizations like Robin Hood and the unwavering dedication of community-based groups we are working together to address not only immediate hunger, but the deeper causes of poverty, expanding access to education, job training, and essential support services. Together, we are building dignity, opportunity, and a path forward.

This past month, we also celebrated something truly extraordinary: our volunteers. Day after day, hundreds of individuals give their time, energy, and heart, packing food, stocking shelves, unloading deliveries, and serving meals with kindness and respect. Each act, no matter how small, carries the power of compassion.

As Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

To every volunteer, supporter, and partner: thank you. Your generosity and commitment make everything we do possible. You are the reason hope continues to grow, even in the most difficult times.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM

Executive Director

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ROBIN HOOD BENEFIT 2026

Robin Hood Salutes, Sr. Caroline Tweedy as a New York City Hero!

At the Robin Hood Benefit 2026 on Monday, May 11th, more than 4,000 New Yorkers gathered at the Javits Center to support the fight against poverty—raising an incredible $73 million and counting.

During the evening, Robin Hood saluted our very own Executive Director, Sister Caroline Tweedy for her belief that every New Yorker deserves to be fed with dignity.

For many years now, she has turned that belief into action—supporting the distribution of thousands of meals each week to neighbors across NYC. We are grateful for her continued commitment to serving our community with care and dignity.

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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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This June, St. John’s Bread & Life proudly celebrates Johnathan Campasano’s 5-year anniversary with Bread & Life. Since joining our Produce Department as part of the beloved “Produce Trio”, Johnathan has become known for his flexibility, compassion, and willingness to help wherever needed.

Over the years, he has supported multiple departments including our Mobile Soup Kitchen, Registration Department, and now serves as one of our Bread & Life truck drivers delivering food to community partners across New York City. Whether assisting coworkers or serving guests, Johnathan’s positive spirit and caring personality make a lasting impact on everyone around him.

Outside of work, Johnathan enjoys baseball, hiking, music, coffee, dogs, and cheering on the Mets. We are grateful for his dedication and proud to celebrate this milestone with him!

Walking Together in

Compassion with COLE HAAN

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cole Haan for their generous in-kind donation of more than $50,000 worth of shoes to support the guests of St. John’s Bread & Life.

This generous contribution provides more than comfort and practicality — they help restore dignity, confidence and hope to the individuals and families we serve each day. We are deeply grateful for Cole Haan’s compassion and commitment to uplifting our community and helping our neighbors walk forward with care and support.

BREAD & LIFE IN THE NEWS

SJU | The Johnnies Blog

Turning Challenges into Change:

Crystal's Story of Student Advocacy

May 14, 2026

By Toni Critelli

Meet Crystal Anne Dibenedetto, a senior at St. John’s University, who is helping drive meaningful change for students facing food insecurity on campus. Motivated by both her own experiences and the stories shared by classmates, Crystal became a passionate voice in the conversations that helped bring Vincent’s Table, the University’s campus food pantry initiative, to life.

From Personal Challenges to Purpose-Driven Advocacy

Service had always been an important part of Crystal’s life. Growing up, she volunteered at food pantries and participated in community outreach, but she never imagined those experiences would one day shape the way she gives back to her campus community.

Read Full Article Here

Throughout the month of May, gifts were made in

honor or in memory of the following individuals:

Paul Bonauro

Barbara McGarvey
Susan Makowski
John C. Munnelly

Terence E. O'Hara

Michael Porto
Father Richard Rock

Grandma Ruth

Jim and Tom Swords

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.

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!

Click below to view our latest promo video:

Hope in Action: The Quiet Work of Kindness

At St. John’s Bread & Life, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Throughout April and May, individuals, families, corporate groups, students, and community partners generously dedicated their time and energy to help serve our neighbors with compassion and dignity. From packing food and distributing meals to supporting special events and lending a helping hand wherever needed, their commitment has made a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands across our community. We are deeply grateful for every volunteer who continues to stand beside us in our mission to nourish bodies, restore hope, and remind those we serve that they are never alone.