Greg has passed by lines outside of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen for many years, but it wasn’t until this year that he learned that Holy Apostles might be able to help him too.
Greg, who just turned 71 this month, is retired and supports himself through social security and a very limited fixed income. One day, he noticed groups of people walking out of Holy Apostles holding bags of groceries. That’s when he learned about the Food Pantry.
As costs have risen for everyone, many people across the country are cutting costs and finding ways to make ends meet. For those living on a fixed income, higher grocery prices and bills can mean making impossible decisions between paying the rent, paying for necessary medication, and having enough food on the table.
With the support of our generous community of donors, our Food Pantry provides weekly groceries for those stretching to make ends meet, many of whom never imagined themselves waiting on long lines for food. This week, Greg waited 45 minutes to pick up his groceries at the pantry – but it’s worth it, he says. “The food is so fresh and delicious. When I used to think of a pantry, I thought of canned goods. But this place gives our everything. They give you produce. They give you meat, everything.”
When Greg reflected on the hard times many are facing right now, he shared, “things have been kind of rough but I’m doing the best I can. I do what I can, and the food is so helpful.”
Greg was born in White Plains and moved to New York City as a young man, and he’s been through many triumphs and tribulations with the city. In September 2001, Greg was working in the kitchen at the World Trade Center before the attacks. After the attacks, he continued to work as a cook in many different locations. And he was in New York during Hurricane Sandy, when so many New Yorkers lost their homes. Despite all the challenges Greg has experienced in New York, he stays optimistic.
At the end of our conversation, Greg shared this important reminder that is at the heart of Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry: food brings people together. “We all identify with food – we’re all connected through food. No matter what, we have one common ground and that’s that we all like to eat!”
