New York City nonprofit EV Loves NYC is on a mission to not only feed the city's food-insecure population but also fuel their careers through job training programs.
At the heart of this initiative is a community-driven kitchen in East Village, Manhattan, where volunteers come together to prepare and serve nutritious meals. The organization's Sunday commissary kitchen at the Lower East Side Girls Club serves up to 2,500 meals, while its Monday-Friday program, Cafewal, focuses on providing job training to locals. This comprehensive approach aims to equip participants with skills that go beyond the food industry, paving the way for stable employment.
For founder Ann Shields, EV Loves NYC embodies a city's promise of being a sanctuary – where individuals can find community and support as they rebuild their lives. "I think of New York as a sanctuary city," she notes. "It was that way for me... But, the city needs to be a more welcoming place."
Shields' sentiments are echoed by Diamy Bah, operations manager at EV Loves NYC, who highlights the organization's dedication to fostering a sense of belonging among its members. "My job is something where, when you go home, you are so proud of what you did during the day because you are helping people... It's like a family now."
As the organization continues to grow, its impact is becoming increasingly evident. Since 2020, EV Loves NYC has distributed over 675,000 hot meals and provided nine million pounds of groceries to New York City households. By 2025, the initiative aims to reach over 150,000 individuals who struggle with food insecurity.
By providing a lifeline for those in need and fostering a supportive community, EV Loves NYC is making a tangible difference in the lives of New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.
At the heart of this initiative is a community-driven kitchen in East Village, Manhattan, where volunteers come together to prepare and serve nutritious meals. The organization's Sunday commissary kitchen at the Lower East Side Girls Club serves up to 2,500 meals, while its Monday-Friday program, Cafewal, focuses on providing job training to locals. This comprehensive approach aims to equip participants with skills that go beyond the food industry, paving the way for stable employment.
For founder Ann Shields, EV Loves NYC embodies a city's promise of being a sanctuary – where individuals can find community and support as they rebuild their lives. "I think of New York as a sanctuary city," she notes. "It was that way for me... But, the city needs to be a more welcoming place."
Shields' sentiments are echoed by Diamy Bah, operations manager at EV Loves NYC, who highlights the organization's dedication to fostering a sense of belonging among its members. "My job is something where, when you go home, you are so proud of what you did during the day because you are helping people... It's like a family now."
As the organization continues to grow, its impact is becoming increasingly evident. Since 2020, EV Loves NYC has distributed over 675,000 hot meals and provided nine million pounds of groceries to New York City households. By 2025, the initiative aims to reach over 150,000 individuals who struggle with food insecurity.
By providing a lifeline for those in need and fostering a supportive community, EV Loves NYC is making a tangible difference in the lives of New Yorkers struggling to make ends meet.
. Feeding the hungry and giving people a chance to get back on their feet? That's what it means to be a real New Yorker, you know? It's not just about the food, it's about the community and the sense of belonging that comes with it 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to come home from a tough day at work and feel proud of what they did for others? 
. Ann Shields is totally onto something with this sanctuary city vibe... New York needs more organizations like EV Loves NYC to show that people care 
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I'm really inspired by Ann Shields' vision for EV Loves NYC. It's amazing how one person can turn their passion into an organization that's changing so many lives. The fact that they're not just serving meals, but also providing job training and a sense of belonging is exactly what our city needs - people feel seen and supported here.
. Their comprehensive approach to job training programs is genius! You gotta commend Ann Shields & her team for creating a sanctuary-like environment where people can rebuild their lives 
#FuelForTheFuture #FoodForThought #CommunityFirst
- who wouldn't want to come together with others to cook up some good grub and make a difference? And the job training programs? genius! like, it's not just about feeding people's bellies, it's about giving them the skills to thrive. I'm rooting for Ann Shields and her team all the way... and honestly, if more people were as proud of their daily work as Diamy Bah is, we'd be living our best lives 
. And can we talk about that community-driven kitchen in the East Village? It's like a big ol' hug for the city's most vulnerable populations 
. Ann Shields and Diamy Bah are literally changing lives over here! The stats are crazy too - 675,000 hot meals distributed since 2020?! 
By 2025 they're aiming to reach 150,000 people who need it most. Let's keep supporting this amazing org, guys!