Fighting Food Insecurity: CCSO Food Bank Brings Its Mission to Brooklyn
/Founded in 2020 by Evelyn Heilbron, Community Center Services Organization (CCSO) was established to fight hunger and ensure that those in need receive resources with dignity. For the last five years, this volunteer-driven nonprofit has provided food, clothing, hygiene supplies, and other essential resources to neighbors in Queens. Since 2023, CCSO has been based in Elmhurst and operates out of a facility on Corona Avenue that was donated by Broadway Stages. With five years of experience and success under her belt, Heilbron is now taking CCSO, also known as the Corona Food Bank, to Brooklyn!
Inspiration and a Promise
Heilbron was inspired to form CCSO in 2020 following her young son’s stroke, which left him nearly blind. Throughout her family’s painful struggle, she has found strength in keeping her promise to dedicate herself to giving back. "This organization has been inspired by children who want and deserve a better world and a better life," said Heilbron.
Broadway Stages and CCSO: A Powerful Partnership Tackling Food Insecurity
In 2023, Broadway Stages provided a 4,200-square-foot facility under a no-cost lease valued at over $210,000 a year. This space allows CCSO to serve those in the community who are in need. Under the leadership of Heilbron and the generosity of a team of incredible volunteers, the Food Bank of Corona offers the community hot meals, food, clothing, and a variety of services and classes seven days a week.
Monday [9 a.m. to 12 p.m.]: Informative Resources on Immigration and Free Medical Insurance
Tuesday [9 a.m. to 2 p.m.]: Clothing Distribution
Wednesday [9 a.m. to 3 p.m.]: Food Pantry, Hot Food and Clothing Distribution
Thursday [5 p.m. to 7 p.m.]: Food Nutrition Program
Friday [9 a.m. to 3 p.m.]: Food Pantry, Hot Food and Clothing Distribution
Saturday [9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.]: Zumba Class and [2 p.m. to 4 p.m.]: Art Classes for Children
Sunday [2 p.m. to 4 p.m.]: English Class for Adults
OPEN EVERY DAY [9 a.m. to 4 p.m.]: Community Library - Free Books for Children and Adults
Gina Argento, president and CEO of Broadway Stages, told the Queens Gazette, "The CCSO represents the best of what our community can accomplish when we come together to help those in need. At Broadway Stages, we are always looking for ways to give back to our community and foster equitable growth. We are proud to support this initiative and are humbled by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors." You can read more about Broadway Stages' support of the CCSO-Food Bank of Corona here.
Expanding Hunger Relief from Queens to Brooklyn
CCSO receives food resources from the Food Bank for NYC, among other organizations. Food Bank For New York City is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with a mission to empower every New Yorker to achieve food security for good. Impressed by the leadership and impact of CCSO, they reached out to Heilbron to become one of their Brooklyn-based mobile pantry and pop-up distribution groups that include over a dozen locations across the City. Heilbron jumped at the chance, and with the help of Broadway Stages and the office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, she now adds a second mobile pantry distribution location under the name Zero Hunger (“No Hambre” in Spanish). This monthly distribution, strategically located in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, will serve up to 300 families. The food giveaway will be held the second Saturday of each month beginning June 14, from 12 to 2 p.m. (while supplies last). Neighbors in need are encouraged to attend and bring shopping carts and/or reusable bags. No identification is necessary. The event will take place at the Seth Low Playground, located at P, Bay Parkway, West 12th Street Avenue, Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn, 11205.
Food Insecurity - Addressing the Need in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Last December, THE CITY reported that food insecurity affects 1.9 million New Yorkers. This is up 76% since 2021, with 1 in 6 households with children lacking enough to eat, and is higher than the 55% increase seen nationwide. Food insecurity is defined as not having enough to eat at least some of the time.
According to a Hunter College New York City Food Policy Center report, approximately 14.5% of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, residents experience food insecurity, which is noticeably higher than the New York City average. The website Census Reporter states that Bensonhurst has a per capita income of $30,978, significantly below the city average of $48,847. In addition, this neighborhood faces a meal gap of nearly 5 million meals annually. This means the population here is collectively missing out on approximately 5 million meals each year due to a lack of access to food due to poverty, a lack of nearby grocery stores, or other barriers.
CCSO -- From Food to Books: Building Community with Dignity and Care
CCSO's mission is to work endlessly to ensure the people in the community live with good health and dignity. In addition to distributing food, CCSO has also established the Paul Library at the Corona Ave. facility. The project got its start when its namesake, Paul Ciafone, decided to start collecting and donating books to the CCSO Food Bank. Paul is the son of Broadway Stages President and CEO Gina Argento.
The library provides a safe and welcoming space for children and adults to read and access educational resources. The library houses over 3,000+ books in both English and Spanish. "There are no bookstores in this neighborhood of Corona, so we've created a welcoming, family-friendly space where the community can come and enjoy reading," Evelyn Heilbron told QueensLatino.com.
CCSO hosts special events throughout the year to create a celebratory community atomsphere. From Valentines Day and Easter, to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, there is always something extra going on at the Food Bank of Corona. Their 2024 Back to School event served almost 2,000 people who received clothes, shoes, hot food, school supplies, and toys. Broadway Stages donated 500 backpacks and a variety of school supplies for the event. And our clients also support CCSO with donations from local film and television productions which provide gently used clothing and other items. There is an opportunity to give each day and for every season.
Join the Fight: Volunteer or Donate to Support NYC Families in Need
Currently, CCSO serves more than 500 families each month. And with the newsly established monthly food distribution in Brooklyn, this will only increase. Feeding America, a national network of food banks, estimates that every dollar donated helps secure and distribute at least 10 meals to people facing hunger. Your donation truly makes a difference. Click here to get started. Another factor that helps minimize operational costs is volunteering. Volunteers are also always needed. As Heilbron said, "Volunteering saves lives!" To volunteer, call CCSO at 332-228-8525. For updates on CCSO, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
As the founder of Broadway Stages, Tony Argento, told the Queens Gazette, "It is our hope that this effort inspires others to join us in the fight against food insecurity. We believe that creating a better world starts with investing in our local communities, and we are committed to doing our part to make a positive impact. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient future for all." We encourage you to give or volunteer to help CCSO get a great start in Brooklyn and continue its great work in Queens!
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