Our Story

HOW OUR MISSION STARTED

  • Since 2020, the AAPI community witnessed a surge in social disparities of violence, poverty and food insecurity. An initial one-time event to feed and aid our neighbors has evolved into Meals for Unity — a full-fledged nonprofit dedicated to being a resource for all NYC communities.

    Our service programs now span three boroughs, as we partner with like-minded organizations to create meaningful impact across NYC. Meals for Unity is 100% volunteer-led, with professionals across generations taking time out of their busy schedules to continuously uplift our communities and each other. Since our inception in March 2021, Meals for Unity has distributed thousands of meals across several events, grown to 500+ volunteers and worked with amazing nonprofit orgs, corporations and local restaurant partners.

Our Impact in a Snapshot

  • 1 in 3

    New York City adults (over 2 million people) live in a household at risk of food insecurity.

  • 1 in 4

    of Asian Seniors residents in New York City are food insecure.

  • 250+

    meals are distributed at every distribution event, the highest being 600 meals in winter 2023.

  • 100+

    individual donors supported Meals for Unity programming efforts.

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  • 14,000+

    meals that have been distributed since the inception.

  • 570+

    volunteers who helped tackle food insecurity for Meals for Unity.

  • 70%

    increase in meal distribution events on 2023 from inception.

  • 45+

    partnerships with corporate sponsors, non-profits and local restaurant.

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“There are systemic barriers within our food systems that have greatly impacted our neighbors, but we have the ability to create positive change.”

— Priscilla Cheng, Executive Director

Learn About Our Leaders

  • “It’s great to feel you are doing something tangible about food insecurity, especially for AAPI seniors, with the need rising.”

    — Theresa, Volunteer

    Volunteer With Us 

  • “The meals you all provided brought the families at the event even closer to the spirit of community that we are building.”

    — CPC Partners

    Partner With Us 

  • “Thank you for the meal. I live in Flushing and came to Manhattan chinatown because I heard about the free meal distribution.”

    — Meal Recipient

    Donate 
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