Hunts Point gives back across NYC, 2020 style

BRONX, N.Y. — The line of people waiting for fresh produce and a turkey stretched around the block on a chilly, sunny Monday, the second day of the weeklong Hunts Point Gives Back initiative.

“The line was wrapped around for hours before the event started. That lets us know there’s a dire need for food in our community,” said Chantel Jackson, New York state assemblymember-elect, 79th district. “They want fresh fruits and vegetables. Our community does love and enjoy it. We just don't have enough access to it. It's really expensive at some points.”

The event is normally one day, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and only in the Bronx, said Phillip Grant, general manager of Hunts Point Produce Market.

“This year we decided to expand our reach and go across borders,” Grant said about hitting the other four boroughs of New York City. “It’s a time when people obviously need the help, and we want to let folks know that we’re here for them, the market’s here. We’re serving them anyway, but we want to make sure folks here get groceries.”

The market’s executive committee teamed up with elected city and state officials, resident associations and nonprofit organizations to give more than 3,000 bags containing more than 25,000 pounds of fresh produce.

The plan is to hit one borough — Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island — each day, and then round back to the Bronx two more times.

Each lime-green bag with the market’s year-old branding logo and slogan is filled with Thanksgiving favorites such as: apples, oranges, carrots, celery, cranberries, acorn squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes and onions. Also, each bag has a holiday-themed coloring page and a pack of crayons for children to enjoy.

“I am very grateful,” said Janice, a local resident who didn’t want to give her last name. She planned to make the dinner with her immediate family at home. “A lot of families need it because of hard times, and then with the coronavirus. So, I am thankful that I received an enormous turkey, like 15 pounds, and then they gave a bag with all the trimmings. What could you ask for more?”

She expressed appreciation specifically to New York City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca Jr., District 17. A councilmember representative handed out masks to the very few people not wearing one as they approached the tables of food.

Salamanca’s office donated the turkeys, Grant said.

Gabriela D’Arrigo, vice president of marketing and communications for D’Arrigo New York, said volunteers from the councilman’s office started preparing the bags at the BronxWorks Classic Community Center at 7:30 a.m., and they all started serving the food at noon.

“We’re hoping we can have more events like this throughout the year rather than just a one-time thing,” D’Arrigo said.

At Monday’s Bronx event, they gave 500 bags of produce, about 3,500 pounds.

“I was shocked at how many people are here,” she said.