God’s Love We Deliver: A Thanksgiving Tradition of Giving Back
This Thanksgiving, over 5,600 households in the New York City area will receive a special delivery of 12,500 crustless pumpkin pies, 8,333 pounds of turkey, 7,100 pounds of side vegetables, and more, all courtesy of God’s Love We Deliver. This non-profit organization has been providing medically tailored meals to those in need throughout the city, with the help of 760 delivery vehicles and over 1,000 volunteers.
The Michael Kors Building in SoHo serves as the hub for God’s Love We Deliver’s cooking operation. Here, massive vats of soup, industrial-sized mixers, and stacks of food in various stages of preparation are a testament to the scale of their operation. These meals aren’t just any meals – they are specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals with serious medical conditions.
Founded in 1985 to support those living with HIV, God’s Love We Deliver has since expanded its services to include individuals with cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and more. Each year, the organization delivers around four million meals to 15,000 individuals with the help of 20,000 volunteers.
Fashion designer Michael Kors, a longtime supporter and board member of God’s Love We Deliver, has played a crucial role in the organization’s growth. Kors believes in the power of food to heal and connect people. He has personally cooked, prepared, and delivered meals to those in need, sharing heartwarming stories of the impact these meals have had on individuals.
The concept of “food as medicine” is central to God’s Love We Deliver’s mission. Each meal is custom-tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of the recipients, with input from registered dietitians. The organization works closely with healthcare partners to ensure that their clients receive the best possible nutrition to support their health.
In an effort to expand their reach, God’s Love We Deliver is opening a new meal distribution center in Brooklyn. This 30,000-square-foot facility will help meet the growing storage and delivery needs of the organization, allowing them to serve more clients in the boroughs.
As God’s Love We Deliver marks its 40th anniversary, they are launching the 40 FORWARD Capital Campaign to raise $40 million for future growth and sustainability. Kors emphasizes the importance of volunteers in the organization’s success and looks forward to creating more volunteer engagement opportunities.
On Thanksgiving Day, God’s Love We Deliver will continue its tradition of providing nutritious meals to thousands of New Yorkers in need. Volunteers will be on hand to deliver a feast of turkey, stuffing, soup, and other holiday favorites, ensuring that everyone has a reason to give thanks. Food truly is the gift that keeps on giving, and God’s Love We Deliver is a shining example of the power of generosity and compassion.
