Municipal Credit Union Foundation's Generous Donation to City Harvest to Combat NYC Hunger Crisis

Municipal Credit Union Foundation's Generous Initiative

On May 12, 2025, the Municipal Credit Union (MCU) Foundation made headlines with their significant contribution of $150,000 to City Harvest, New York City's pioneering and largest food rescue organization. This financial support comes at a critical time when food insecurity rates in the city are alarmingly high, driven by escalating costs and economic uncertainty.

George Chacon, the President of the MCU Foundation, emphasized the necessity of supporting individuals who struggle to secure basic necessities in one of the world’s wealthiest cities. In his poignant statement, he pointed out that many New Yorkers are facing hardships that lead to food shortages at home. The MCU Foundation aims to uplift these individuals by collaborating closely with City Harvest, whose mission aligns with their own commitment to community service and support.

City Harvest plays a vital role in the urban landscape, directly addressing food access issues. This year, the organization plans to rescue nearly 83 million pounds of nutritious food that would typically be wasted, distributing it to an extensive network of over 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, and community partners throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Additionally, City Harvest strives to educate the community about nutrition while building capacity in local food systems and advocating for policies designed to reduce hunger.

Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest, extended gratitude towards the MCU Foundation, highlighting their shared dedication to combating food insecurity. For over four decades, City Harvest has tirelessly worked to redirect high-quality food to individuals in need, reaching millions and ensuring that nutritious options are available to those who may not have easy access otherwise.

Kyle Markland, MCU's CEO, reiterated the deeper mission behind the donation, reflecting on the larger ethos that drives their community efforts. The phrase, ‘We’re Here For It,’ resonates throughout their initiatives, manifesting in this philanthropic support as well as practical involvement such as employee volunteer opportunities with City Harvest throughout the year.

This partnership comes at a time when the demand for food assistance has reached unprecedented levels. Recognizing their crucial role as a lifeline for many, both the MCU Foundation and City Harvest are committed to addressing the pressing matter of hunger in New York.

As the MCU Foundation continues its journey to foster generational wealth and eliminate poverty across the city, donations to organizations like City Harvest exemplify their commitment to improving living conditions for New Yorkers. This initiative not only alleviates immediate food insecurity challenges but also cultivates a spirit of community and support in the face of adversity.

For additional information about the MCU Foundation, individuals can visit its website. The foundation was established in 2023, underscoring the determination of MCU's leadership to effectively serve the needs of their community.

In summary, the generous donation from the MCU Foundation not only serves as a financial boost for City Harvest but also reflects a larger commitment to uplifting New York communities. Together, they work toward a vision where no one goes hungry, and the essence of community solidarity thrives.