Brad Beckstrom, second from left, and Daniel Reyes, Deputy Executive Director, New York Common Pantry, far right, distribute food to Ramona Perez, left, and Jose Martell at the Bonifacio Cora Texidor Senior Center.
The New York Common Pantry (NYCP), which has the long-standing support of the Mount Sinai Health System, recently began delivering nutritionally balanced food directly to community providers that serve or house senior citizens. Ultimately, about 13,500 seniors a month will receive food through this new program. NYCP already provides hot meals and support services to more than 49,000 individuals a year at the organization’s 8 East 109th Street site. Brad Beckstrom, Senior Director of Government and Community Affairs, Mount Sinai Health System, who serves on the NYCP Board of Directors, says, “We strongly believe in the mission of the New York Common Pantry and provide financial support, give turkeys and hams at Thanksgiving and Christmas, partner with them on promoting healthy eating, and distribute coupons for shopping at the green markets. Many Mount Sinai volunteers also offer their services.”