This is the best city on the planet. New Yorkers love New Yorkers and when New Yorkers are in need, New Yorkers respond. I am welling up with tears as I write this to update you on how proud I am to be a part of this incredible city.
Last week, our fine city, as well as many other parts of the Eastern Seaboard, suffered a crushing blow from Super Storm Sandy. It ripped apart land, property, vehicles, families and goods. It struck and it struck hard and then once the storm cleared, New Yorkers jumped into action. Whether you were affected directly or not, it does affect all of us.
On Sunday, a small group of us from The Food Film Festival made a couple phone calls, sent a few emails and before you know it, we had food, money and the means to repair a food truck in our possession. We gathered together along with the Rockaway based Food Truck, The Fisherman’s Dog and restaurant, Rockaway Taco, we served 450 free, fresh, hot Hamburgers to the residents of the Rockaways as well as the workers who are giving it their all to help those affected. We left the Fisherman’s Dog & Rockaway Taco with another 1400 Burgers to continue the effort.
The NYC’s Mayor’s Office helped us to distribute those Burgers to people right in front of their homes. The next morning they called us and asked if they could get us the funding, could we continue the efforts. To make a long story short, our small endeavor ignited a fire. We said yes and now in conjunction with New York Food Truck Association, we have an army of food trucks making runs into effected parts of Brooklyn & Queens to feed people hot and fresh food.
It’s amazing what a few people can accomplish to help those in need & that’s what New Yorkers are good at.
Please help us.
Check out any of the links below for more information on what we have done so far and be sure to follow #BurgerAidNYC on Twitter for the latest details.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
The Mayor’s Fund is accepting financial donations from organizations and individuals to support hurricane relief efforts. The Mayor’s Fund retains no administrative fee, and one hundred percent of donations are being dispersed to relief efforts and organizations. Funds will support immediate aid needs – including, food, water and hygiene supplies – as well as long-term relief and restoration. To donate by mail, make checks payable to Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and send to 253 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York City, New York 10007 (in memo line: Hurricane Sandy Relief).
- – To donate over the phone call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside New York City)
- – Donate today
- – To volunteer or for in-kind donations, visit NYC Service
Facebook/blog post for texting:
You can now quickly and easily donate to support hurricane relief efforts using your mobile device. Text NYCFUND to 50555 to give $10 to the Mayor’s Fund that will help provide essential aid and supplies to New Yorkers in need. You can also visit www.nyc.gov/fund to donate any amount toward hurricane relief.
Tweet:
- Text NYCFUND to 50555 to give $10 to @NYCMayorsOffice Fund that will provide immediate aid to NYers in need. nyc.gov/fund
- Subscribe to and RT @NYCFoodTruck‘s tweets about free food to New Yorker’s in need.
Donated Goods:
The following is the latest list of things that are needed out at Rockaway immediately (Nov 7, 2012). If you have access to any of these, please reach out directly to me.
– Rubber Boots to go over regular shoes
– Special Dust Masks – NP95 Respirator Masks
– 1st Aid Kits
– Cooking/Range Equipment – Anything bigger than a camping stove.
– Thermal Wear (tops and bottoms)
Here is the official press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2012
No. 397
www.nyc.gov
MAYOR BLOOMBERG ANNOUNCES NEW HOT FOOD SERVICE AT CITY RELIEF SITES THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS
1.4 Million Meals and 900K Bottles of Water Already Distributed at City Relief Sites
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced today the Mayor’s Office has partnered with the NYC Food Truck Association, NYC Food Film Festival, and local food trucks to coordinate free hot food distribution at the City’s food, water and blanket distribution centers and disaster assistance service centers, as well as locations in some of the hardest hit areas. Realizing the need for hot meals as the weather drops, in addition to the over 1.4 million ready-made-meals that have been distributed, and the many individuals and groups have already been serving meals in high needs areas, this coordinated effort will provide additional hot meals to those that most need it. The food trucks are being sponsored by the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, which is raising private money in support of hurricane relief efforts.
“With the drop in temperature, hot meals are more necessary than ever,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Working together with food trucks who can provide residents in devastated areas can be a life line for many and we are grateful for this partnership that can help with much needed relief for the most affected New Yorkers.”
The following Food Trucks will be assisting the City of New York with free hot food distribution at sites in areas hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy from 12-4 PM:
Souvlaki GR, Phil’s Steaks, Rickshaw Truck, Schnitzel & Things, Seoul Food, Valducci’s, Taim Mobile, Toum, Mexico Blvd, Gorilla Cheese, Mike n Willies, Mexicue NYC, Big D’s Grub, Chinese Mirch, Coolhaus, Cupcake Crew, Frites & Meats, Eddies Pizza, Morris Grilled, Now Eat This, Nuchas, and Fisherman’s Dog.
Over the past five days, the City has distributed nearly 1.4 million meals, 900,000 bottles of water, and 55,000 blankets through its food distribution centers and the City’s door to do canvassing operation bringing food, water and supplies to thousands of residents who are unable to come to the distribution sites. In addition, community residents, nonprofits and local businesses, like Rockaway Taco at Rockaway Beach, have also provided invaluable support to their neighbors over the last week.
