On Tuesday, November 21, Joseph “Fat Joe” Cartagena partnered with Krasdale Foods to bring joy to a few families before the holiday weekend. Together, the five-time Grammy nominee and grocery distributor provided meals to those in need across the Bronx.
“I remember when my mother used to have to borrow from my grandfather to get us a turkey and get us food,” Fat Joe told News 12.
“So that’s why it’s so important, if you look at these bags these bags got turkeys, rice… yams, mac and cheese, soup. I mean you name it.”
Fat Joe’s fourth annual holiday meal drive brings attention to the issue of food insecurity that is plaguing communities across the world. According to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy annual 2022 Food Metrics Annual Report, more than one million of the city’s residents suffered from food insecurity. Nationally, data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests 13.5 million U.S. residents are suffering from food insecurity. Heading into the holiday weekend, an estimated 13.3% of Americans dealt with food insecurity through the end of October.
“It’s a good thing that the food insecurity rate is down from the higher rates we saw in the spring and summer,” Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability Director Joseph Balagtas said.
“But as many of us get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, this is a reminder that approximately one in eight Americans lack consistent access to adequate food.”
