NO KID HUNGRY AND NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR HONOR “NYC HUNGER HEROES”

After serving ~850,000 meals to NYC students each day, dedicated food service workers and educators are recognized for going above and beyond

NEW YORK, NY - No Kid Hungry New York today joined New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels to recognize 39 "NYC Hunger Heroes"- extraordinary professionals in City schools who have gone above and beyond to serve approximately 850,000 nutritious meals to students every day. Food service workers from each school district and food program staff from NYC Schools' central office received awards for their meaningful contributions to combating child hunger.

These 39 workers are on the frontlines of combating hunger in New York City Public Schools, as more than 270,000 children in New York City - or approximately one in four kids - are facing hunger. School meal programs play a critical role in ensuring kids get two healthy meals a day while also helping families stretch their food budget.

The hunger crisis continues to impact kids and families across New York. One in five children in New York State faces hunger, and according to a 2026 poll from No Kid Hungry, 77 percent of New York families with children reported that their financial situation has suffered due to the cost of food.

"These Hunger Heroes play an essential role in supporting students both inside and outside the classroom," said Rachel Sabella, Director of No Kid Hungry New York. "For many children, food service workers are the first faces they see each day, creating a warm, welcoming environment while making sure students have the nutritious meals they need to thrive. By honoring these outstanding professionals, we are celebrating the care they bring to students and families every day and their commitment to fighting hunger in New York City classrooms."

"As a lifelong educator, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that hunger can have on a child's ability to learn," said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. "No student should ever be expected to focus, grow, and succeed on an empty stomach. Our OFNS school food service workers are heroes of our education system who do far more than prepare and serve nutritious, delicious meals. They create welcoming cafeteria spaces, offer comfort and consistency, and provide the familiar faces that help students feel cared for each day. It is both my honor and privilege to celebrate 39 of these extraordinary individuals today, alongside our partners at No Kid Hungry, whose collaboration makes this celebration possible. Their dedication and compassion make a lasting difference in the lives of our students and families."

"As a former public school teacher, I know that access to free breakfast and lunch is about far more than food-it helps students focus, learn, and grow into healthier, stronger young people," said New York City Council Education Chair Eric Dinowitz. "That's why I am proud to recognize the 39 members of the New York City Public Schools Office of Food and Nutrition Services as NYC Hunger Heroes. Every day, these dedicated public servants ensure that New York City students have access to the nutritious meals they need to succeed in and out of the classroom. Their work makes a lasting difference for children and families across our city. I am also grateful to No Kid Hungry for creating this event and for its tireless efforts to connect children and families with meals. Together, we celebrate these Hunger Heroes and their extraordinary commitment to supporting New York City's students."

"A good meal is made of more than just food: it's cooked and served by our food service workers with dedication and care for our students," said Mayor's Office of Food Policy Executive Director Kate MacKenzie. "Students and their families can rely on these incredible Hunger Heroes to go above and beyond to not just serve nutritious and delicious food, but make cafeteria lines the frontlines in the fight against hunger. Whatever uncertainties and challenges arise outside of school, students can rely on school meals to nourish them and position them to succeed. Students are building healthy futures on the foundation of safe and reliable, nutritious meals thanks to these devoted professionals."

The list of 2026 NYC Hunger Heroes is below.

Manhattan

• District 1: Mounir Raghouli

• District 2: Maria Gomez

• District 3: Rosa Pinos

• District 4: Giselle Sostre

• District 5: Mariela Perez de Rondon

• District 6: Claudia Cruceta

Bronx

• District 7: Glorianna De Jesus Perdomo

• District 8: Garry Walters

• District 9: Zara Moreta

• District 10: Zina Marku

• District 11: Shahanara Begum

• District 12: William Picard

Brooklyn

• District 13: Ingrid Emmanuel

• District 14: Allison Anderson

• District 15: Myrna Cintron

• District 16: Jerome Mcdowell

• District 17: Corry Benolt

• District 18: Clive Grant

• District 19: Argentina De Leon

• District 20: Sophia Tarahanidis-Veneris

• District 21: Sandra Ali

• District 22: Sharon Hunter

• District 23: Marcella Ware

• District 32: Winifred Boston

Queens

• District 24: Ivan Narea

• District 25: Janei Bostic

• District 26: Amani Abdallah

• District 27: Kettly Vilma

• District 28: MD Elahi

• District 29: Richard Livermore

• District 30: Sophia Michelakis

Staten Island

• District 31: Daniela Ferrigno

Central Office & Inspections

• Carmel Marrazzo

• Veronica Pina

• Kimberly Nelson

• William Sanders

• Michael Sterling

• Fatima Marshall

• Khadija Malajati

About No Kid Hungry

No child should go hungry in America. But millions of kids could face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is working to end childhood hunger by helping launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive. This is a problem we know how to solve. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of Share Our Strength, an organization committed to ending hunger and poverty. Join us at .

About New York City Public Schools

New York City Public Schools is a testament to the history and impact of urban education in the United States. With over 1,600 schools spread across five boroughs, the system is made up of approximately 1 million students and staff, making it the largest public school system in the nation. These schools employ more than 75,000 teachers who deliver a rich tapestry of educational experiences to a student body that reflects the city's vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. This network of educational institutions represents not just the scale of New York City's commitment to public education, but also its dedication to fostering a learning environment that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.