Staten Island’s 34th Annual Bread of Life Drive distributes food for thousands of families in need

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The steady rain and chilly winds did not stop scores of volunteers from participating in the distribution of the 34th annual Bread of Life Food Drive on Saturday at Monsignor Farrell High School, Oakwood.

The food drive, which ran from March 31 to Friday, mobilized students across the borough to collect non-perishable food donations at 131 participating schools, coming together to support their neighbors in need.

Organized by the Notre Dame Club of Staten Island, the Bread of Life Food Drive began humbly in 1992 with just six schools taking part.

On Saturday morning, all collected items were distributed to local nonprofit organizations that serve thousands of Staten Islanders facing food insecurity.

The food was distributed to a wide range of organizations, including Project Hospitality, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, Community Health Action, and numerous faith-based food pantries and outreach programs across Staten Island.

Over the years, it has grown into one of Staten Island’s largest charitable efforts, inspiring a borough-wide tradition of giving and compassion.

Since its inception, the drive has donated more than 2.5 million food items to 25 local nonprofits, providing crucial support for families and individuals in need.

Students of all ages helped collect, pack, and prepare donations, reinforcing the importance of community service and civic responsibility.

Joe Delaney, executive director of the Notre Dame Club of Staten Island and lead organizer of the Bread of Life Food Drive, reflected on the program’s impressive growth and lasting impact in a recent interview with SILive.com.

“I’m proud to say that the Bread of Life Food Drive has expanded well beyond Staten Island,” said Delaney. “We now have drives happening in 320 cities across 35 states — and every time a new one launches, we proudly stamp it: ‘Made in Staten Island.‘”

As food insecurity continues to affect families across the borough, initiatives like the Bread of Life Food Drive show the power of local action — and the incredible difference that students can make when they come together to support their community.

The following Staten Island food pantries were recipients of food donations from the 34th annual Bread of Life Food Drive: Project Hospitality, Mt. Carmel/St. Roch’s, Catholic Charities, St. Edward’s, The Salvation Army, St. Peter’s Church and Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Also: St. Philips Baptist Church, New Direction Services, Half Table Man Disaster Relief, Holy Family, Veterans Food Pantry, Oakwood Community Church, St. Christopher’s, Stapleton Houses, the U.S. Coast Guard, Community Health Action, and Holy Rosary.

These organizations help feed thousands of Staten Islanders facing food insecurity and rely on community efforts like the Bread of Life Drive to support their ongoing work.

For more information, please visit statenisland.undclub.org/page/bread-of-life-drive.