Agencywide, Employee-Driven Food Drive Initiative to Help Those in Need Over the Holiday   

MTA Partners with Local Food Banks City Harvest, Feeding Westchester, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County and Island Harvest  

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced its employee-driven food drive campaign “Stuff-A-Bus” to help provide food for those in need during the holiday season. The food drive runs through Dec. 18 and includes donations from New York City Transit subways and buses, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad and MTA Bridges and Tunnels.   

The Authority partnered with five local food banks to ensure donations go to the region each agency serves, including City Harvest, Feeding Westchester, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County and Island Harvest. Food donations will be collected at employee facilities throughout the MTA’s agencies. On Dec. 22, NYC Transit’s 9/11 Bus will pick up donations from its division bus depots, and the “stuffed” bus will drive those donated items to City Harvest’s warehouse in Long Island City. LIRR donations will be loaded onto a train at Jamaica bound for Ronkonkoma where Island Harvest will collect them. Metro-North, with help from MTAPD, is making deliveries to the food banks in its territory as donation boxes fill-up. 

“This year has been one of the toughest in recent memory, and the MTA family is proud to team up with five great local food banks to give back to those in need this holiday season,” said Patrick J. Foye, MTA Chairman and CEO. “Each agency stepped up and provided help to the communities we serve 365 days a year. This initiative shows the true giving spirit of MTA employees who are dedicated to giving back and keeping us all moving forward.” 

“The pandemic hit New York City hard, affecting everyone’s lives in many ways. We hope that these donations can help our fellow New Yorkers feel a little more whole,” said Sarah Feinberg, Interim President of New York City Transit. “As always, our coworkers rose to the challenge and I could not be prouder.” 

“Our team has been heroes carrying heroes throughout this pandemic. Their sacrifice, dedication and strength inspire me every day. This is just the latest example,” said Craig Cipriano, President of MTA Bus Company and SVP of Buses for New York City Transit. “Anyway we can help New Yorkers in need we will do.” 

“The holiday spirit is all about coming together to give, which is exactly what our Metro-North family did,” said Catherine Rinaldi, President of Metro-North Railroad. “I cannot thank them enough for enthusiastically responding to this call for help, as well our local partners throughout the region.” 

“The Long Island Rail Road is not just about moving trains, it’s part of the Long Island community. If one person is struggling we are all struggling,” said Phillip Eng, President of Long Island Rail Road. “We hope these donations make an impact on the Long Island communities that we serve and love so much.” 

“This year has pushed us to a new normal, but the holiday season spirit remains strong,” said Daniel F. DeCrescenzo Jr., President of MTA Bridges and Tunnels. “I am pleased that this effort by the Bridges and Tunnels workforce and the whole MTA family will help those in need.” 

“The MTAPD will do what it takes to help those in our communities struggling with hunger,” said MTAPD Chief of Operations Joseph McGrann. “Increasing awareness about the issue of food insecurity, especially during these challenging times, is important. We are here for our neighbors in need.”  

According to Feeding America food banks across the nation have experienced a surge in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of March, through the end of October, food banks have served 4.2 billion meals nationwide. Over 80% of food banks are serving more people now than they were a year ago. Due to the pandemic, Feeding America estimates that 1 in 6 Americans could face hunger. 

Anyone wishing to donate food or volunteer at their local food bank can start by visiting Feeding America’s website or any local food bank to learn more.