“Food is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Lakisha Morris, Director of Food and Housing Stability at Catholic Charities Community Services. This statement summarizes the mission of Catholic Charities of New York: to ensure that every person has access not only to food, but to the nutrition necessary to live with health and dignity.
Each month, the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Community Center, in collaboration with the Food Bank for New York City, offered nutrition classes aimed at Harlem residents. The program went beyond delivering fresh fruits and vegetables; It provided the tools to turn those foods into healthy meals that promote long-term well-being.
At Catholic Charities, distributing millions of meals annually is essential, but the organization recognizes that true transformation occurs when people gain knowledge that allows them to make healthier choices. Therefore, nutrition education has become a critical component of its services.
A key figure in this effort is Brenna De Souza, community nutritionist at the Food Bank for New York City. Every month, De Souza visited different neighborhoods in the city to offer practical, accessible information aimed at improving the quality of life of the participants. As he explained, many people do not consume enough fruits and vegetables because they depend on processed foods, which, although inexpensive and accessible, are usually high in sodium, sugar and cholesterol. For De Souza, this reality is directly related to the lack of information.
The classes seek to close that gap. Through demonstrations, open conversations, and hands-on activities, participants discover how their dietary choices can influence blood pressure control, sugar levels, and chronic disease risk. “We have seen so many testimonies,” he said. “People returning to their doctors with better levels of health simply by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into their diet.”
One of the most valued lessons is learning to read nutritional labels. Many participants had not received guidance on how to interpret percentages, serving sizes or sodium levels. De Souza taught that 5% Daily Value or less is low and 20% or more is high, simple information that can change the way you shop. However, teaching is not enough: access and affordability remain essential. That’s why classes also include strategies for shopping on a budget, such as visiting farmers markets, taking advantage of SNAP benefits, choosing budget-friendly brands, using seasonal produce, and storing food correctly.
De Souza recalled how, on a visit to a pantry, many would throw away spaghetti squash because they didn’t know how to prepare it. After showing them a simple recipe, they began to take it away. That moment reflected the essence of the program: breaking down barriers, reducing fears and building trust.
The collaboration between Catholic Charities and the Food Bank for New York City not only feeds New Yorkers; It enables them to build healthy and sustainable habits. By combining access to nutritious food with practical education, both organizations are driving a stronger future for the city.