Editor’s note: Readers may remember a discussion of multiple easy ways that islanders can help their local food pantries. Most of the supermarkets readers frequent allow patrons to donate to food pantries directly at the point-of-sale (or cash register). These donations are often matched by the store itself. We have covered past donations by ShopRite, who has been a great friend to the Salvation Army, especially those on the island. Pop music artist Taylor Swift has come known for leaving a trail of fully-stocked food pantries in her wake when a tour bus comes through a town or city. The most recent farm bill, which occurred two years ago, contained expansions for SNAP and other food assistance for the most vulnerable Americans. The recently passed OBBBA undoes most if not all of those changes to help those with the lowest incomes. It will also have an increasing effect on the rising costs of health insurance as more and more Americans lose or drop their coverage, making the payer pool smaller and thus the prices higher. We also covered the most recent meeting minutes at the Staten Island Hunger Task Force.
Just flagging the below announcement that Stop & Shop is helping launch Food Bank For NYC’s “Slam Dunk on Hunger” campaign with a $19,812 (Representing $1 for every seat in MSG) donation ahead of the NBA Finals, tying the excitement around the Knicks’ Finals run to hunger relief efforts across New York City.
Editor’s note: Staten Islander previously covered the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors campaign, which is designed to help fill some of the gaps caused by the implementation of the OBBBA, which further restricts who is eligible for food assistance from SNAP, removes money from the program (which as studies have shown, actually injects more money into the economy than it costs), and makes new work requirements the standard. While in New York City, the mayor has made efforts so that this has as small of an effect as possible, residents of other states are likely to have a harder time. The income levels are quite low for SNAP, being in the area of $23k per year in income for a single person, not adjusted for cost of living or by state. One can also only be on the program for three months if they are not actively working part time (while continuing to make less than the threshold income). One good thing about the OBBBA is that is allows people to volunteer at a non-profit company, instead of working for a for-profit company in order to earn benefits, which was previously coordinated by the stateand applied to low-wage jobs such as a janitor.
Stop & Shop Kicks Off Food Bank For NYC’s “Slam Dunk on Hunger” Campaign with $19,812 Donation
Grocer’s donation, equal to every seat in Madison Square Garden, launches citywide fundraising campaign ahead of the NBA Finals matchup
Bronx, NY (June 3, 2026) – As New York City rallies behind the Knicks’ return to the NBA Finals, Stop & Shop is tipping off Food Bank For NYC’s Slam Dunk on Hunger campaign with a $19,812 lead gift, jumpstarting the city’s largest hunger relief organization’s citywide efforts to raise funds for New York neighbors in need.
Representing $1 for every seat in Madison Square Garden, Stop & Shop’s opening contribution sets the pace for the campaign, which is a friendly fundraising competition between Food Bank For NYC and the San Antonio Food Bank who are teaming up to highlight hunger in their respective cities.
“Slam Dunk on Hunger” invites fans from both cities to rally behind their hometown food bank, with the city that raises the most support earning bragging rights. More importantly, the campaign aims to generate critical resources for families in need at a time when more than 1.4 million New Yorkers are experiencing food insecurity.
“At Stop & Shop, we’re proud to help jumpstart New York City’s fundraising effort in this meaningful campaign,” said Jim McGinn, Regional Vice President of Operations at Stop & Shop. “The Knicks’ return to the NBA Finals is uniting our city, and we saw an opportunity to turn that excitement into impact by making the first contribution to Food Bank For NYC. We hope this inspires others to step up and join us in supporting our neighbors in need.”
“We’re grateful to our partners at Stop & Shop for helping us launch this campaign with such a meaningful gift,” said Janis Robinson, Vice President of Institutions and Partnerships at Food Bank For NYC. “Their supports sets the tone for what we hope will be a powerful effort to ensure our neighbors have the food they need during a critical time.”
Food banks nationwide continue to face elevated demand, and initiatives like “Slam Dunk on Hunger” highlight the importance of community driven support. Fans interested in supporting the campaign can learn more at foodbanknyc.org or contribute directly at give.foodbanknyc.org/slamdunk.
About Stop & Shop
A neighborhood grocer for more than 100 years, Stop & Shop is focused on delivering a wide assortment of fresh, healthy options at a great value through strong weekly sales and everyday low prices. Its new GO Rewards loyalty program delivers personalized offers and allows customers to earn points that can be redeemed for gas or groceries every time they shop. Stop & Shop customers can choose however they want to shop – whether it’s in-store or online, which offers both delivery and same-day pickup. The company is committed to making an impact in its communities by fighting hunger and working to ensure no student has to go to school hungry through its Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program. Headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC is an Ahold Delhaize USA Company and employs over 50,000 associates and operates more than 350 stores throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com.
About Food Bank For NYC
Driven by our mission to empower every New Yorker to achieve food security for good, we harness the collective power of our network of food providers, partners, and volunteers to activate the right resources, supports, and expertise across the five boroughs. Our work with more than 800 soup kitchens, food pantries, and campus partners provides immediate and reliable access to food and nutrition education, while our economic empowerment programs give people the tools and know-how to improve their financial wellness. Community by community, we work together to make progress on a more hopeful, dignified, and equitable future for all. To learn more about our impact or get involved, visit foodbanknyc.org.
Banner Image: Slam Dunk on Hunger. Image Credit – Food Bank For NYC
Stop & Shop Supermarkets
A neighborhood grocer for more than 100 years, Stop & Shop is focused on delivering a wide assortment of fresh, healthy options at a great value through strong weekly sales and everyday low prices. Its new GO Rewards loyalty program delivers personalized offers and allows customers to earn points that can be redeemed for gas or groceries every time they shop. Stop & Shop customers can choose however they want to shop - whether it's in-store or online, which offers both delivery and same-day pickup. The company is committed to making an impact in its communities by fighting hunger and working to ensure no student has to go to school hungry through its Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program. Headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC is an Ahold Delhaize USA Company and employs over 50,000 associates and operates more than 350 stores throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com.