Feeding the Bronx: buildOn’s Commitment to Community

The Bronx faces persistent food insecurity. Many residents struggle to access nutritious meals, affecting their health, well-being, and overall quality of life. At buildOn, we believe in the power of service to effect positive change, and our students in the Bronx are the driving force behind these efforts!

Across the borough, activities geared towards alleviating hunger are a staple of our service work, from serving meals at soup kitchens to stocking food bank shelves.

Connecting with the Community

To do this, we partner with local organizations like Holy Tabernacle Church. For over a decade, our students have volunteered their time to help distribute hot meals, operate a soup kitchen, and manage a food pantry. This collaboration not only provides essential food assistance but also creates opportunities for students to develop a strong sense of community and civic responsibility.

Pastor Brown, who started the program in 1983, acknowledges the immense value the buildOn students bring. “They come in, smiles on their faces and ready to work,” she says, “and we love it!” 

Our students don’t just benefit from these experiences; they thrive on them. They find joy in serving their neighbors and witnessing the positive impact their efforts have on the community. Many of them return to volunteer week after week, building lasting relationships with the people they serve.

“I feel a lot of happiness serving at this project because it is a good thing to give [food] to the public. I see different types of people come in and take what they need from here and I find this to be a really beautiful moment for the community,” explains Jayselin, a 12th grader at Explorations Academy.

Ongoing Service

buildOn students also work with organizations like Meals on Wheels to make sure their neighbors have fresh,  healthy meals. Students help package grab-and-go meals and then hand them out to community members who visit Meals on Wheels’ food pantry. 

“I enjoyed passing out the meals,” says Jadae, a student at Bronx Leadership Academy. “You could tell that the people receiving them were grateful and appreciative.”

A Brighter Future in the Bronx

These food distribution programs offer more than just sustenance; it offers a connection. Students witness the needs of their community firsthand and actively participate in alleviating them. This experience not only fosters empathy and social responsibility but also provides a platform for personal growth.

Help make positive change in communities like the Bronx by making a tax-deductible donation today to support our work.