For 40 years, God’s Love We Deliver has been quietly revolutionizing food assistance in New York City. This Thanksgiving, like every other day, the non-profit will deliver roughly 12,500 meals to over 5,600 households facing serious medical challenges. The scale is immense: thousands of pounds of turkey, vegetables, and soup, alongside customized meals for individuals battling HIV, cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions.
The Origins and Evolution of a Unique Mission
Founded in 1985, the organization began as a response to the AIDS crisis, when a hospice worker realized that simply dropping off groceries wasn’t enough for severely ill patients. Many were too weak to cook, and needed fully prepared, nutritious meals. This realization sparked a mission to provide “food as medicine,” recognizing that proper nourishment can significantly impact recovery and quality of life.
Today, God’s Love We Deliver serves over 15,000 individuals annually through the help of roughly 20,000 volunteers. Each meal is designed in consultation with registered dietitians, taking into account specific medical needs and dietary restrictions. This level of personalization is what sets the organization apart.
Beyond Food: The Human Connection
The operation is massive, centered in the Michael Kors Building in SoHo, thanks to significant support from fashion designer Michael Kors, who serves on the Board of Directors. Kors emphasizes that the organization isn’t just about delivering food; it’s about providing a lifeline. For some clients, the delivery driver may be the only person they see all week.
The impact extends beyond physical nourishment. Volunteers often form relationships with clients, and the arrival of a meal can be a highlight of their day. The organization even prepares birthday cakes for those celebrating, acknowledging that even in illness, small joys matter.
The Science Behind “Food as Medicine”
The medically tailored approach is not simply a feel-good gesture. It’s grounded in scientific understanding of how nutrition affects health. For individuals with conditions like kidney disease or Alzheimer’s, dietary restrictions can be life or death. God’s Love We Deliver works with over 35 healthcare partners to ensure that meals align with each patient’s needs.
The organization’s success relies on rigorous quality control and adherence to scientific evidence. As CEO Terrence Meck stresses, other organizations attempting similar efforts must take the “medicine” aspect seriously, delivering safe, effective, and properly prepared meals.
Scaling for the Future: Brooklyn Expansion
To meet growing demand, God’s Love We Deliver is expanding to a 30,000-square-foot facility in Brooklyn. The new space will streamline packaging and delivery operations, enabling the organization to reach even more clients across the boroughs.
This expansion underscores the organization’s commitment to long-term sustainability. Supported by a $40 million capital campaign, God’s Love We Deliver is preparing for future challenges and ensuring that its services remain accessible to those who need them most.
In conclusion, God’s Love We Deliver stands as a testament to the power of compassionate, scientifically informed food assistance. By treating food as medicine and prioritizing human connection, the organization has transformed the lives of thousands in New York City and set a high standard for how to address food insecurity in the context of serious illness.
