In a concerning development from Pelham Parkway, the Albanian American Open Hand Association (AAOHA), a vital food pantry in the Bronx, confronts a severe challenge as it struggles with empty shelves for the first time in a decade. This alarming situation has escalated food insecurity in the region, particularly at the onset of the New Year.
Before the pandemic, AAOHA was a lifeline for around 800 individuals weekly, a number that has now alarmingly doubled to 1,600. The food pantry’s President, Alexander Nilaj, residing merely two blocks away, expressed the distressing situation of having to deny help to the many who queue up from dawn till dusk, hoping for assistance. Nilaj describes this as “very heartbreaking” and underscores the grim reality: “Don’t wait; we have no food today.”
In a ray of hope, New York Congressman Ritchie Torres has stepped in, contributing $5,000 to AAOHA. This generous donation is expected to feed over 1,200 people during the next distribution. Torres responded promptly, recognizing the urgency of the pantry’s plight.
Despite this immediate aid, the future of AAOHA hangs in the balance. The pantry, which receives no state or city funding and depends solely on donations and local business support, faces an uphill task in sustaining its operations. Known for aiding families, single mothers, and the vulnerable across the five boroughs, AAOHA’s demand has surged due to job losses and rising living costs. Nilaj, an Albanian immigrant and a U.S. resident for 18 years, has witnessed the dwindling supplies since Christmas, compelling him to turn away hundreds in need.
Nilaj now calls for donations and seeks support from state and city governments to continue AAOHA’s noble mission of feeding hungry New Yorkers. Amidst these challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope that the community will come together to support the pantry, ensuring no New Yorker faces rejection in their time of need. The situation at AAOHA is not just a reflection of a single pantry’s struggle but a stark indicator of the broader food crisis impacting New York City.
