Long line at food distribution site puts spotlight on hunger issue in NYC
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NEW YORK (PIX11) — A startling scene over the weekend at a food distribution line in Jamaica, Queens once again put a spotlight on the issue of food insecurity and hunger in neighborhoods across New York City.
“Everybody thinks the U.S. is a very big country and rich country — they don’t need any food assistance. But I think it’s not true,” said volunteer Samira Tahsin.
The line there was addressing a clear need among Muslims residents in the diverse community in advance of Wednesday’s Eid holiday – signifying the end of Ramadan.
Queens resident Rajjak Mohammed was one of the estimated 1,500 people on a line that stretched for several blocks before it ended on Hillside Avenue at the front door of BHALO; short for Bangladeshi Humanitarian Aid and Leadership Outreach, based in Jamaica.
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Through a translator, Mohammed told PIX11 News that he had a very limited amount of money, adding that it was really helpful for him and his family.
The harsh reality is that food insecurity extends beyond holidays into everyday operations.
BHALO also serves an average of more than 100 homeless people and others in need in Herald Square.
It’s part of a growing network of non-profit organizations helping to meet the demand that is overwhelming public taxpayer-funded resources.
Jay Rahman, the director of operations, said external, community-based organizations like BHALO often have the inside track for what foods local residents will actually eat.
“Our community needs a specific kind of food because they’re not going to take canned goods. We need a certain type of culturally sensitive food that caters to our community,” said Rahman.
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said he posted his walk of the entire line on social media in order to raise awareness.
“I just want to point this out. This was a problem before our asylum seekers were here. That line was just disturbing. And we see lines like it every weekend, matter of fact, across the city,” said Williams.
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