#USA #New York #food insecurity #Campaign Against Hunger #Elizabeth Elting

Elizabeth Elting Foundation's Holiday Initiative

As the holiday season approaches, the Elizabeth Elting Foundation is stepping up its commitment to combat food insecurity by partnering once again with The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH). This year, they have pledged a significant donation of $300,000, earmarked to provide 120,000 meals to families in need across New York City. This marks the fifth consecutive year of this impactful initiative, reflecting the Foundation's ongoing dedication to addressing hunger during the festive time of year.

Food insecurity has become an increasingly pressing issue, particularly in recent years, with research from Robinhood and Columbia University revealing an alarming trend. The gap between household income and the cost of food has risen sharply, now averaging an increase of over $30 per week for families with children. This shift has caused serious worry, as many families struggle to afford essential nutrients. The USDA's Economic Research Service further underscores this point, illustrating that food prices are skyrocketing faster than overall inflation rates. For instance, the Consumer Price Index for all food categories has seen an increase of 0.4% from July to August of 2025, with food prices in general jumping by 3.2% when compared to the same time last year.

Among those affected, a staggering 89% of families struggling to afford food have reported having at least one working adult in the household. The reality is both shocking and troubling; the cost of providing 100,000 meals has increased significantly, rising over 26% from the previous year, indicating a dire need for intervention. As the price of basic needs escalates, the Elizabeth Elting Foundation recognizes its responsibility to act, and they have responded accordingly by increasing their meal donation to help more families this season.

Liz Elting, the Founder and CEO of the Elizabeth Elting Foundation, spoke to the urgency of the situation, stating, "When so many families can't afford to put food on the table despite their best efforts, we're facing a systemic crisis that demands urgent action. Access to nutritious food isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental necessity. I'm honored to stand alongside The Campaign Against Hunger in the fight for food justice, and I remain committed to ensuring that every New Yorker has the resources they need not just to survive, but to thrive."

Dr. Melony Samuels, Founder and CEO of TCAH, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the severity of the current crisis facing families. "When the cost of feeding a family rises by more than 26% in a single year, hunger becomes an urgent crisis, even for working households," she said. Dr. Samuels praised the Foundation's investment, which allows TCAH to scale its response to meet the needs of vulnerable families.

This critical partnership not only underscores the Foundation's commitment to alleviating hunger but also champions a collective approach to community support within New York. Looking ahead to 2026, the Elizabeth Elting Foundation plans to expand its efforts, focusing on initiatives that break down systemic barriers and foster public health, education, and economic independence.

To learn more about the Elizabeth Elting Foundation, its ongoing efforts to create systemic change, and the mission of The Campaign Against Hunger to end hunger, visit their respective websites: Elizabeth Elting Foundation and The Campaign Against Hunger. Together, they aim to foster a brighter future for all individuals in New York City, ensuring that no one is left behind during the holidays and beyond.