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

FEEDING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

since 1982

Dear Friends,

We are witnessing a critical strain on our community's safety net. Federal cuts to SNAP and reductions in food assistance funding are placing unprecedented pressure on food pantries across New York City. In Brooklyn alone, more than 450,000 residents experience food insecurity, and many are working families and seniors, trying to make impossible choices between rent, food, medicine, and transportation. As government support shrinks, community organizations like Bread & Life are being asked to fill gaps that were never meant to be ours alone.

Recently, a young man came to Bread & Life to complete community service through a job-training program. He had never heard of us before and had never stepped inside a food pantry. His job coach told him, "If you want real-life experience, that's where you should go. You'll see how a state-of-the-art food pantry operates and learn skills that can transfer to many different careers."

He arrived a bit unsure of what to expect. What he found was something much bigger than a food pantry. He watched staff members work together with a shared sense of purpose. He saw volunteers helping older adults navigate our kiosks, bagging groceries, and assisting families who spoke different languages. He met young mothers carrying infants, seniors living on fixed incomes, individuals experiencing homelessness, and people facing challenges that are often invisible to the rest of the world. But what impressed him most was not the technology, the efficiency, or even the number of people served. It was the dignity. He saw people treating one another with respect and compassion. At the end of his time with us, he said something I will never forget:

"I'm finally doing something that helps other people... kind of like they are helping me."

That, in many ways, captures the spirit of Bread & Life. Every day, people help people.

Every day, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners come together to ensure that our neighbors do not have to face hunger alone. We provide food, but we also provide hope, stability, encouragement, and a pathway forward. Our mission is not only to feed people today, but to help them find their footing and become the best version of themselves tomorrow.

This young man was only with us for six weeks, yet he reminded me of something important: we often never know the full impact of a simple act of kindness. Did we help someone regain confidence? Did we offer encouragement at a difficult moment? Did we help someone believe in themselves again? I believe we do. The work of Bread & Life is more than a job. It is a calling. It is a commitment to lifting others up and strengthening the communities we call home. And it is inspiring to know that others recognize and share in that mission.

On October 8th, we will gather for our annual Mixer4Meals celebration to honor individuals whose generosity and leadership have transformed the lives of so many.

We are proud to recognize Frank Fellone Jr., Frank Fellone III, and Sr. Marie Sorenson for their extraordinary dedication and service. Their examples remind us that real success is measured not by what we achieve for ourselves, but by how we help others thrive.

As Denzel Washington said: "At the end, it's not about what you have or even what you've accomplished. It's about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It's about what you've given back."

Thank you for helping us lift others up. Thank you for believing that every person deserves dignity, compassion, and hope. And thank you for standing with Bread & Life as together we nourish bodies, restore spirits, and strengthen our community.

With gratitude,

Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM

Executive Director

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WE’VE EXCEEDED OUR GOAL!

What an incredible response from the

St. John’s Bread & Life community!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and friends, as Hunger Action Month comes to a close, we’re thrilled to share that we’ve surpassed our original $50,000 Fill The Truck goal!

Throughout September, our community has stepped forward to help ensure that New Yorkers facing hunger can continue to count on Bread & Life for nutritious groceries, hot meals, and compassionate support. Every gift to Fill The Truck helps us keep food moving into our pantry and out to the individuals and families who need it most.

We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who has

helped bring us this far.

Together, We Filled The Truck!

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 month, members of the St. John’s Bread & Life team joined United Way of New York City for a special Local Produce Link farm trip to Queens County Farm! The day offered our staff, an opportunity to step away from our daily routines, enjoy time together, and connect with where fresh, local food comes from.

We’re grateful to United Way NYC for creating this meaningful experience and for their continued partnership in bringing fresh produce and nutrition education to our communities. From exploring the farm to sharing in the day's activities, it

was a wonderful reminder of the importance of connecting people not only to nutritious food, but also to the farmers and communities that help make it possible. 💚🥕

THANK YOU

HATCH FOR HUNGER!

We’re grateful to HATCH FOR HUNGER for their generous donation of a new refrigerator to St. John’s Bread & Life!

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, HATCH is a nonprofit organization that connects animal protein producers with food banks and pantries to help provide fresh, high-quality protein to families facing food insecurity. Through a national network, HATCH helps source and distribute nutrient-rich proteins such as eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, and pork—foods that are often among the first to be cut from a household budget during times of financial hardship.

Their generous refrigerator donation will help us safely store and keep nutritious food fresh for the individuals and families we serve. We’re thankful for HATCH and partners like them who help strengthen our work and keep our community nourished.

Connecting Our Community to Vital Resources at the

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR

hosted by I WILL GRADUATE in partnership with First Step Ministry Church

On September 19, St. John’s Bread & Life joined "I WILL GRADUATE” in partnership with First Step Ministry Church for a Community Resource Fair at 308 Marcus Garvey Blvd. in Brooklyn.

The event brought together local organizations and community partners offering a range of resources and support, including employment opportunities, health and wellness screenings, rent assistance, deed theft assistance, and free clothing.

Our dedicated Social Services team member, Carmen Hernandez, represented St. John's Bread & Life and shared information about the resources and services available to help individuals and families navigate their needs.

We were also pleased to welcome Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman to our table. Assembly Member Zinerman has previously supported Bread & Life through volunteer service with her team, and we are grateful for her continued connection to our community. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of events like this that bring neighbors together and help connect them with resources that can make a meaningful difference.