Staff and volunteers serve meals to seniors in West Harlem on National Food Bank Day

WEST HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- Friday is National Food Bank Day -- a day meant to raise awareness about people who are not sure when they will get their next meal and encourage volunteers and donations.

In New York City there are more than 1.3 million people facing food insecurity.

The Food Bank of New York City provides a network of more than 800 soup kitchens and pantries across the five boroughs.

On Friday, the Community Kitchen in West Harlem served lunch to seniors in need, including vegetable lasagna and a healthy salad.

Head Chef Sheri Jefferson said the most pressing problem facing food banks in the city right now is fresh produce and protein as well as volunteers and donations.



"You know, we just need support," Jefferson said.

Organizers say the need now is even greater than it was during the COVID pandemic.

"I see it, definitely, what COVID did was just open people's eyes to what was really needed before, but it's not change," Jefferson said.

To learn more, go to foodbanknyc.org.

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