Apostle Immigrant Services was among the local agencies that received donations from YNHH employees via the GiveHealthy food drive. “This means our families get fresh fruit and vegetables without needing to worry how they can stretch their food for the week,” said Sister Luisa Villegas, case manager.

YNHHS employees, physicians, donate thousands of pounds of food during virtual drive

Thank you to the hundreds of Yale New Haven Health employees and medical staff members who donated over 8,650 pounds of food to hunger-relief organizations during the health system’s third #GiveHealthy online food drive.

The donated food translates into nearly 7,215 meals for people in need throughout Connecticut and in Westerly, RI. Yale New Haven Hospital donors gave 2,650 pounds of food – 2,208 meals – to 19 Greater New Haven hunger-relief organizations through the Coordinated Food Action Network.

The drive, which ran from November 2022 to January 2023, was conducted through #GiveHealthy, an organization that provides an online platform for hunger-relief organizations to set up “registries” listing items they need. Because the food is shipped from suppliers directly to hunger-relief organizations, donors could purchase fresh produce.

The initiative was organized through a health system collaboration among Community Health Improvement, Community and Government Relations, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Human Resources, Marketing and Communications and Food and Nutrition.

Representatives from organizations receiving food donations expressed their gratitude for the much-needed assistance. 

“DESK has long been committed to offering healthy and nutritious food. In years past, this wasn't always possible,” said Ashley Burkell, volunteer coordinator, Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK). “The #GiveHealthy campaign is an amazing way for organizations to work together to improve access to healthy food for everyone.”

“The campaign means we can offer fresh produce and dairy products to our clients that they wouldn’t ordinarily have access to,” said Jamilah Rasheed, New Haven Inner City Enrichment (NICE) Center. “It gives a boost to our cause in that we care for those we serve.”