City Harvest Challenges New Yorkers to Raise $1.1 Million to Feed 50,000 Children in Need

Skip Lunch Fight Hunger shows New Yorkers that the $15 you might normally spend on lunch can feed more than 60 kids for a day.

By Melissa Wickes March 14, 2019

City Harvest, NYC's largest food rescue organization, is challenging New Yorkers to raise $1.1 million to feed 50,000 New York children and their families. The fundraising campaign, Skip Lunch Fight Hunger, challenges New Yorkers to donate the money they would normally spend on lunch to ensure that children and their families will have the food they need to survive. The campaign runs from May 13-17.

“I founded Skip Lunch Fight Hunger on the principle that even a small donation can make a big difference,” said Dana Cowin, City Harvest board and food council member and former editor-in-chief of Food & Wine magazine. “As a New Yorker, and a mom, I felt compelled to take action and address the fact that so many children in our city don’t know where their next meal is coming from. By donating what you would normally spend on lunch, you’re helping City Harvest ensure that children and their families across New York City have the nutritious food they need to thrive. Just $15 helps feed more than 60 kids for a day.”

To date, Skip Lunch Fight Hunger has raised more than $9 million. Thousands participate in the campaign each year, including companies such as Citi and Blackstone who compete against each other to see who can raise the most. Companies come up with creative ways to raise money, such as bake sales and luncheons.

To join or lead a team, visit the City Harvest Skip Lunch website. You can also make donations online.