National Food Grants
Record Support Helps Food Programs Address Increased Needs
O
ne of the ugly realities the coronavirus pandemic has brought to light - and exacerbated - is the depth of food insecurity across the country. And with increased isolation for so many, hunger lurks for an unprecedented number of our friends, neighbors and their families. The federal food stamps program saw a nearly 23 percent increase in need in 2020 over the previous year. One in four U.S. children experienced food insecurity last year. And 24 million Americans say they often or sometimes do not have enough to eat. In February, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided a record $2,452,500 to 131 food delivery and service organizations across the country. Despite the economic challenges of the pandemic, the grants were a $135,500 increase over the 2020 annual food grants, which were sent before the pandemic hit. Over the last five years, Broadway Cares’ support for meal delivery services, congregate meal programs and food banks increased 28%. It’s a remarkable feat at the most perilous of times.
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Behind the Scenes
2017
$1,915,000 117 programs/agencies
2018
$2,015,000 121 programs/agencies
2019
$2,143,000 125 programs/agencies
2020
$2,317,000 135 programs/agencies
2021
$2,452,500 131 programs/agencies
“A decent meal can be the first line of defense, the road back to health and recovery,” Broadway Cares Executive Director Tom Viola said. “Access to that meal can be difficult in the best of circumstances. During a pandemic, when we’re told to not even think about venturing outside, access to the safety net of support hits the most vulnerable the hardest. These 2021 grants underscore our community’s commitment to shining a bright spotlight on those in need, even on our country’s darkest days.”