In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the unimaginable impact it had on our community, Queens Defenders began a Food Pantry to serve families impacted by domestic violence in Far Rockaway. As previously shared, this program’s need grew exponentially as the pandemic continued through the year.

 

In the fall of 2020, we were thrilled to establish a partnership with JEWELEX to meet the demand for this essential service in southeast Queens and expand to more communities in the borough.  

 

Support from JEWELEX has allowed the Queens Defenders Food Pantry to expand food distribution events to our Jamaica Justice Center.  And with the continued support of our partners – The Campaign Against Hunger, 9 Million Reasons, Food Bank for NYC, Fresh Direct, Rockaway Mutual Aid, Beach 40th Street Tenant Association, the Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula, Hour Children, and NYCHA – we are able to serve hundreds of families each week resulting in over 30,000 boxes of food getting into the hands of our community since January 2021.

 

Stanislav Khaldarov, Esq., Queens Defenders Director of Food Justice and lead of the Food Pantry, said this of the expansion, “Looking back on the past year, the Food Justice Program is very proud of the impact we  have made in our community. Everyone deserves to eat. Our biggest reward is seeing the smiles on peoples faces and a glimmer of hope in their eyes.  We will continue to work hard along with our community partners to secure and distribute a variety of food to anyone who needs it.” 

 

A JEWELEX company spokesperson states, “JEWELEX believes that being kind, considerate, generous, enthusiastic, and encouraging is always the right choice. We are proud to partner with Queens Defenders on this very important project and to work with an organization that reflects these values.”

In addition to supporting the Food Pantry, JEWELEX has been an insightful and generous sponsor for the Community Outreach programs at Queens Defenders. This past winter, JEWELEX went above and beyond for Queens Defenders clients by collecting and donating over 100 coats during a winter coat drive. Queens Defenders is thankful for their unrelenting support allowing us to give back to our community.

 

If you are in need of food support in the Far Rockaway area, there are weekly pop-up food pantries at the Rockaway Community Justice Center.

WHEN: Wednesdays & Fridays at 2:00PM
WHERE: Rockaway Community Justice Center | 1922 Mott Avenue | Far Rockaway

For more information contact sibanez@queensdefenders.org