WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Elizabeth Graham of Manhattan stood in line for two and a half hours on April 2, bundled up against chilling winds, to receive what she called “a blessing.”
Graham was among an estimated 450 families receiving fresh protein, fruits, and vegetables at the annual Holy Thursday Food Distribution conducted by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.
Newly installed Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York blessed food items and the families that would receive them. He then got in line and helped hand out packets of frozen salmon.
“It’s important for us to come out to get something to eat,” Graham said. “It’s a blessing. Thank God.”
The distribution was conducted in partnership with Goya Foods outside Catholic Charities’ Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center on Audubon Avenue between 165th and 166th Streets.
Thermometer readings hovered in the mid-40s, but powerful wind gusts made the temperature feel colder, according to weather reports.
Still, Archbishop Hicks and the food recipients cheerily exchanged greetings in the food distribution line, unfazed by the chill.
Moments later, the new archbishop explained to The Tablet and Currents News that, on Holy Thursday, Jesus “gives us the Eucharist, the most powerful gift that we have.”
“This is what nourishes us,” he continued. “But he also gives us, on this day, the washing of the feet. So, our prayer is connected to serving others. If we are people of goodwill, then I think we have an obligation to respond, and it’s beautiful to see it happening right here and right now.
“This is faith put into action.”
The event’s distribution tables were heaped with frozen poultry and fish, bananas, oranges, and other fruits, vegetables, eggs, and packages of Goya Foods products.
“This is the most amazing event,” said Nicholas Ryan, a recipient. “It’s Catholic Charities giving you the fresh, not old things, but super fresh — amazing oranges and apples, and good young chicken.”
Each year, the various programs of Catholic Charities serve about 400,000 New Yorkers, including more than 10 million meals at soup kitchens, community pantries, pop-up pantries, and home-delivered meals to elderly or disabled people, according to the organization.
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It helps anyone in need, and with no restrictions on religion of choice, immigration status, or national origin.
Goya Foods partnered with Catholic Charities’ Feeding Our Neighbors program to provide 300,000 pounds of food this year, said Maricela Baez, a spokesperson for the Jersey City-based company.
“This year is especially meaningful for us as we celebrate 90 years of Goya Foods,” Baez said. “Our legacy is built, not just on providing quality products, but on giving back to the communities that have supported us for four generations.”
She added that Goya has donated more than 1.8 million pounds of food to Catholic Charities over the past few years and donated 1 million pounds of food nationwide on March 31, billed as “Goya Gives Day.”
Also, during the event, Archbishop Hicks told Currents News and The Tablet that he was excited to visit Brooklyn on Friday to participate in the Way of the Cross procession over the Brooklyn Bridge.
The annual Good Friday event, led by Bishop Robert Brennan of Brooklyn, begins at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James in Downtown Brooklyn. It proceeds across the bridge to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Lower Manhattan. Stations of the Cross are highlighted along the way.
“It’s significant that we cross bridges,” Archbishop Hicks said.
“I think,” he continued, “that’s the message of Jesus. He teaches us how to form bridges and how to unite. It’s going to be my first visit to the Brooklyn diocese, and I cannot wait.”
