Allying to help address the issue of hunger and food insecurity in and around JFK International Airport, Island Harvest Food Bank and City Harvest announced a partnership with Valley Stream, NY-based International Shoppes, a premier duty-free and specialty retailer that operates airport retail and duty-free stores at JFK Terminals 1, 5, and 8. Travelers shopping at International Shoppes will be given the option to donate to help fight hunger upon checkout in amounts ranging from one to eight dollars.
Proceeds from the initiative will be divided equally between the two leading hunger relief organizations to address the growing public health concern of hunger in their respective service areas. Island Harvest is a leading anti-hunger and human services organization that helps people struggling with food insecurity in Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. City Harvest, New York City’s first and largest food rescue organization, rescues perfectly good, nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and delivers it for free to New Yorkers across the five boroughs who are experiencing food insecurity. Both organizations report an increase in demand for food assistance among low wage, working people and families, who face the daily challenge of putting food on their tables due to the region’s high cost of living, higher prices for groceries and other essential commodities.
“International Shoppes is thrilled to announce our partnership with City Harvest and Island Harvest, organizations dedicated to addressing food insecurity, particularly within and around the greater JFK airport community,” said Scott Halpern, Co-CEO of International Shoppes. “With our longstanding presence at the PANYNJ’s JFK Terminals 1, 5, and 8, we are committed to increasing visibility for the vital programs offered by these outstanding organizations to the traveling public.”
Matt Greenbaum, Co-CEO of International Shoppes, added, “Beyond our shared goal of fundraising to support these essential initiatives, we aspire to assist JFK airport area employees who may be facing food insecurity challenges. We aim to extend a helping hand to them and their families and offer the support they may require. Together with City Harvest and Island Harvest, International Shoppes is determined to positively impact the lives of those affected by food insecurity in the JFK airport community.”
“Hunger knows no borders, and we are pleased to partner with our friends at City Harvest and International Shoppes in addressing the growing hunger problem in communities throughout the greater New York area, and especially among working families,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president & CEO of Island Harvest. “We are grateful to the enlightened leadership of International Shoppes for their caring and generosity in helping come up with innovative solutions to help tackle a crucial societal issue like hunger.”
“Thanks to the generosity of International Shoppes and their participating customers, we will be able to rescue and deliver more nutritious food for New Yorkers in need,” said Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest. “This support comes as visits to soup kitchens and food pantries are up 65% over pre-pandemic levels. Together with our friends at Island Harvest and International Shoppes, we will help feed our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.”
About City Harvest
City Harvest is New York’s first and largest food rescue organization, collecting perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste to help feed the millions of New Yorkers who struggle to put meals on their tables. In over 40 years serving New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity, we have rescued more than one billion pounds of fresh, nutritious food and delivered it—free of charge—to hundreds of food pantries, soup kitchens, community partners, and our own Mobile Markets® across the five boroughs. This year, we will rescue and distribute more than 77 million pounds of nutritious food to our neighbors in need. By redirecting that food to families, we will also prevent the equivalent of more than 20 million kilograms of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Named one of America’s Top 100 Charities by Forbes, City Harvest also works alongside our community partners to build their capacity, expand nutrition education, and advocate for systems change through effective public policy. Since our founding in 1982, City Harvest has always been there to feed our city—one day, one meal, one New Yorker at a time. To learn more, please visit cityharvest.org.
About International Shoppes
International Shoppes stands as a distinguished and influential presence in the travel retail sector. Established in the heart of New York in 1951 by two visionary immigrants, the company remains committed to elevating the duty-free shopping experience. International Shoppes has always remained true to its New York roots, operating strategically at major international airports across the United States. The company’s curated selection of luxury goods, including fragrances, cosmetics, fashion, liquor, gourmet treats and more, reflects the spirit of the city it calls home. Notably, International Shoppes is renowned for its dedication to exceptional customer service, delivered by a knowledgeable staff ready to assist travelers. Moreover, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovative technology, and active community engagement, International Shoppes continues to redefine travel retail. The company’s vision is to maintain its industry leadership by enhancing the travel retail experience while upholding the highest standards of quality and service, proudly representing New York wherever it goes.
About Island Harvest Food Bank
Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading human services organization whose mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island. We accomplish this through innovative programs and services aimed at enhanced hunger awareness, short-term case management, nutrition education, outreach and advocacy initiatives, a Workforce Skills Development Institute, our organic farm, and efficient food collection and distribution. Our work directly supports children, families, seniors, and veterans who turn to us in times of crisis and when needed and supports a network of 300 community-based nonprofit organizations. Island Harvest Food Bank is a member of Feeding America®, a nationwide network of food banks leading the effort to solve hunger in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.islandharvest.org.
