How You Can Help

While COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on our way of life, the spirit of the Columbia community has remained unchanged. Many Columbia researchers, healthcare workers, staffers, students, and our neighbors have given their time, energy and resources to those in need and on the front lines confronting this novel coronavirus. Inspired by their efforts, below is a list of ways that you too can join the fight.

Food Insecurity in Upper Manhattan

A new initiative, the Columbia Neighbors Food Relief Fund, is working to heighten awareness, raise funds and deploy resources to address food insecurity across Upper Manhattan.

Hunger and limited access to affordable fresh food have been major challenges for our local communities since long before the current pandemic. Now, New Yorkers who have never needed assistance to feed their families are turning to food programs for help.

In the current state of emergency, more than 400,000 New Yorkers are out of work, along with thousands of seniors and immuno-compromised people who are at high risk and sheltering at home. Food programs are being pushed to the limit as their pantries struggle to keep up and the city scrambles to meet demand while restricting physical access to distribution centers.

As part our our deep commitment to the well-being of our neighbors, every dollar donated to the Food Relief Fund through the Medical Center Neighborhood Fund and the Columbia Community Service Food Relief Project will be used to support the program.

Another initiative addressing food insecurity in Upper Manhattan is a collaboration between Columbia Dining, the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and City Harvest that will provide 1,000 bagged meals per day to help vulnerable populations meet their basic daily needs. To learn more about this program, visit the Columbia Neighbors Hub.

Meeting Many Needs

Anyone can lend a hand. The skills required during these times vary from project management to checking in on elderly adults. Besides volunteering time, donations are also being accepted. Non-profits that provide food services are experiencing unusually high demand. And the livelihood of local small businesses, such as restaurants, is being threatened.

Have a program to add?

Use your UNI login to submit a resource for the list.