Montefiore Health System is celebrating two decades of serving the Bronx community through its Project Bravo Food Pantry. Project Bravo is a grant-funded initiative designed to combat food insecurity for high-risk individuals and families in The Bronx. For more than 20 years, participants have received fresh produce and healthy food three days per week. In 2024 alone, 40,000 Bronxites were supported by the program.

 

On a weekly basis, thousands of Bronx residents walk in to the pantry when in need, or are referred by community partners and Montefiore Medical Group clinics. In collaboration with Grow NYC, Food Bank of New York, and United Way, Project Bravo provides nutritious food as well as baby formula, household supplies like laundry detergent, and holiday meals to local families.

 

A recent study published in Pediatrics by Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) researchers found one in seven children in a nationally representative sample of more than 16 million, living in households receiving nutritional support through the Women’s, Infant and Children’s (WIC) program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), still experienced food insecurity. The study found that this was despite having these food assistance programs available.

Montefiore officials said such limited or uncertain access to adequate and nutritious food points to a need for more services like Project Bravo that can directly help families across the country.

 

The pantry was particularly important for combating food insecurity in The Bronx during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during the recent federal government shutdown.

 

Mrs. Tynisha Malone, MPA, program director of the Project Bravo food pantry, said, “It has been our privilege to help fill the gaps that families experience, from healthful food to warm clothes, we see the needs of our neighbors and are here to help, together with our community partners.”

 

Montefiore officials said Project Bravo food pantry participants can also access toiletries and feminine hygiene products, donated from big box stores and local colleges. They added that for almost 15 years, Malone and two volunteers from local environmental group, Future of Mosholu Parkland, have gathered special items like Halloween candy and toys to share with participants during the holidays.

Bronx resident Dwight said, “Project Bravo is a place I can rely on for many resources.” He said he has been coming to the pantry for three years. “I get fresh and healthy food to make soups and casseroles, as well as access to health education,” he added. “I also enjoy the cooking and painting classes available here too. Project Bravo provides sustenance and support in many ways.”

 

Meanwhile, Montefiore Health System, together with Mosholu Preservation Corporation (MPC) and the Jerome Gun Hill BID, also distributed hundreds of turkeys and fresh produce to local residents from its location at Norwood’s Keeper’s House at 3400 Reservoir Oval East, on Tuesday, Nov. 25, ahead of Thanksgiving.

 

To learn more, and support the Project Bravo Food Pantry, contact: projectbravofoodpantry@montefiore.org or email tmalone@montefiore.org.