In the heart of Manhattan's East Village, a nonprofit organization has been working tirelessly to feed the hungry and empower the underprivileged. EV Loves NYC, or East Village, is its informal name, which represents its humble roots in the community. Founded in 2020, the organization has grown into a tight-knit family, providing essential services to those struggling with food insecurity.
At the center of it all is a community-commissary kitchen that operates on Sundays at the Lower East Side Girls Club, serving between 2,000 and 2,500 meals. The kitchen's menu boasts a diverse range of West African dishes, alongside locally loved burgers – a testament to the organization's commitment to showcasing the rich culinary tapestry of New York City.
Beyond meal provision, EV Loves NYC operates a second program, Cafewal, which offers job training to community members. This initiative focuses on equipping individuals with skills necessary for success in the food industry, as well as long-term employability beyond the sector. The organization's goal is not only to feed the hungry but also to create a supportive environment where individuals can thrive.
According to Ann Shields, EV Loves NYC's communications director, New York City has become an increasingly welcoming sanctuary – at least for those who have arrived with open hearts and minds. However, Shields recognizes that the city still needs to do more to make itself a haven for everyone. This sentiment echoes the organization's mission, which seeks to foster a sense of community and inclusivity among its members.
In just five years, EV Loves NYC has made an astonishing impact. The organization has served over 675,000 hot meals since its inception in April 2020, with over nine million pounds of groceries distributed to households across the city. With this impressive track record, it's clear that EV Loves NYC is more than just a charity – it's a beacon of hope for those struggling to make ends meet.
As Tyler Hefferon, executive director of EV Loves NYC, notes, "Our current total since April 2020 is an incredible 675,000 hot meals served and over nine million pounds of groceries distributed. We're proud of what we've achieved so far, but we know there's still much work to be done." This unwavering commitment to serving the community has cemented EV Loves NYC's place as a vital force in New York City's social landscape.
At the center of it all is a community-commissary kitchen that operates on Sundays at the Lower East Side Girls Club, serving between 2,000 and 2,500 meals. The kitchen's menu boasts a diverse range of West African dishes, alongside locally loved burgers – a testament to the organization's commitment to showcasing the rich culinary tapestry of New York City.
Beyond meal provision, EV Loves NYC operates a second program, Cafewal, which offers job training to community members. This initiative focuses on equipping individuals with skills necessary for success in the food industry, as well as long-term employability beyond the sector. The organization's goal is not only to feed the hungry but also to create a supportive environment where individuals can thrive.
According to Ann Shields, EV Loves NYC's communications director, New York City has become an increasingly welcoming sanctuary – at least for those who have arrived with open hearts and minds. However, Shields recognizes that the city still needs to do more to make itself a haven for everyone. This sentiment echoes the organization's mission, which seeks to foster a sense of community and inclusivity among its members.
In just five years, EV Loves NYC has made an astonishing impact. The organization has served over 675,000 hot meals since its inception in April 2020, with over nine million pounds of groceries distributed to households across the city. With this impressive track record, it's clear that EV Loves NYC is more than just a charity – it's a beacon of hope for those struggling to make ends meet.
As Tyler Hefferon, executive director of EV Loves NYC, notes, "Our current total since April 2020 is an incredible 675,000 hot meals served and over nine million pounds of groceries distributed. We're proud of what we've achieved so far, but we know there's still much work to be done." This unwavering commitment to serving the community has cemented EV Loves NYC's place as a vital force in New York City's social landscape.
they're doing so much good and it's crazy to see how far they've come since 2020! serving over 675k meals is insane 
and the fact that they offer job training through cafewal is just genius 
i mean, who doesn't love a good burger? but seriously, ev loves nyc is more than just a charity, it's a community and that's what makes them so special 
let's keep supporting them in any way we can! 
it's crazy how much impact one org can make in just 5 yrs... they're not just feeding people, they're building a community 
, that's so inspiring. and i love how they r highlighting the diversity of nyc's food scene by serving west african dishes too 
. it just goes to show that everyone has something special to offer, even those who might be struggling 
.
this org is doin amazing stuff 
. I mean, 675k hot meals and 9 million pounds of groceries? That's some serious hustle. But at the same time, Shields is right on point - NYC still needs to do more to be a haven for everyone. It's not just about feeding people, it's about creating a system that uplifts the community as a whole. And EV Loves NYC is definitely one step in the right direction 
. But let's be real, 5 years is a long time - what's gonna happen when they're all done and there's no org to pick up the slack?