As Food Insecurity Grows in NYC, Local Grassroots Organizations Attempt To Fill Need

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 22: A mother and daughter wait for assistance at Universe City, a decentralized food hub in the Brownsville neighborhood that is working to build food sovereignty while also promoting community healing practices on July 22, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Universe City also operates an outside refrigerator that lets members of the community pick up fresh food for free. While many New York neighborhoods have long depended on charities, food banks and nonprofits to meet their nutritional needs, the COVID-19 pandemic has only multiplied the number of residents experiencing food insecurity. Across the city groups that serve those in need are seeing a huge increase in clients. According to the mayor’s office, an estimated 2 million people are currently food insecure in New York City, which is up from 1 million people before the pandemic. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)