More than 500 ate soup from plain paper cups at Project Hospitality’s ’Poor People’s Dinner’

New York’s Staten Island. Last Monday night, more than 500 Staten Islanders, primarily high school students, were enjoying a different type of Thanksgiving at the annual Project Hospitality’s Poor People’s Dinner, while President Biden was dining with military families at Fort Wadsworth.

In its 27th year, the Hilton Garden Inn’s interfaith custom exemplifies the generosity of the borough’s youth, who gathered food for Project Hospitality’s soup kitchens and pantries in the weeks preceding the event.

Students from almost every school gathered with adults of all ages, including religious and community leaders, to hear remarks from people who have dedicated their lives to helping those in need.

The colors are presented by Port Richmond High School ROTC members. (Project hospitality/courtesy)Advance of Staten Island

As advocates for the fight against poverty explained the lack of food, the audience fell silent as they ate soup from simple paper cups to learn what it’s like to not have enough to eat.

“I am happy to see so many young people here tonight,” Rev. Janet Jones, head of the Project Hospitality board, remarked. I can sense that our society’s future is in capable hands because of your presence here.

St. Joseph Hill Academy kids with Sister Mary Coffelt. (Project hospitality/courtesy)Advance of Staten Island

She said, “Yet I do not know what poverty feels like,” as she talked about her early years without plumbing, heating, or electricity. I was always protected. You didn’t go hungry at night. We have gathered here tonight to represent a family or a brother or sister who would not know where they will sleep tonight or where they will get their next meal if Project Hospitality is not in place.

Project Hospitality’s Don Reilly and the guest speaker, Dr. Ginny Mantello. (Project Hospitality/Courtesy) Staten Island Advance

According to keynote speaker Dr. Ginny Mantello, director of Health and Wellness for the Staten Island Borough President’s Office, showing concern for one another is manifested via deeds.

In order to expand access to high-quality mental and physical healthcare, wholesome food, and public health education, Dr. Mantello collaborates with Project Hospitality, other non-profit organizations, academia, and elected officials.

According to Dr. Mantello, eating wholesome, nourishing food is the cornerstone of our wellbeing and not just fuel. We must make sure that everyone has access to wholesome food, regardless of location, income, or background, if we are serious about the principle of caring for our communities.

Dr. Ginny Montello speaks to the audience. (Project hospitality/courtesy)Advance of Staten Island

Even in prosperous nations like the US, where one in seven children live in a household classified as food insecure, poverty is widespread, she said.

Rev. Terry Troia and Frances Brown are on the left. Brown gave fifty wool scarves she crocheted for the homeless at the Poor People’s Dinner. (Project hospitality/courtesy)Advance of Staten Island

Port Richmond High School ROTC students and their leader. (Project hospitality/courtesy)Advance of Staten Island

Dr. Mantello continued, “Screenings on Staten Island’s North Shore after COVID showed that one in four people live in food insecure homes.” He recounted stories of families living off of a shared small bowl of cereal, pregnant women with small children who had nothing in the kitchen but a bag of chips and a half gallon of milk, and children who were so hungry they were eating candy with the wrappers still on after receiving the treats as a gift.

Students from Moore Catholic High School and an instructor. (Project hospitality/courtesy)Advance of Staten Island

Students who have worked at Project Hospitality’s food pantries have heard about and seen firsthand situations like these. The audience erupted in cheers when a video featuring student volunteers was shown.

Students and instructors at St. Joseph Hill Academy, including Monsignor William Belford, on the left. (Project Hospitality/Courtesy) Staten Island Advance

Alongside public school pupils, uniformed students from private and parochial schools gathered to greet guests and coordinate food donations for the occasion.

The hundreds of cans of essential proteins and other wholesome basics will be packaged and sent to the food pantries and mobile food pantries run by Project Hospitality, which feeds the hungry in every Staten Island area.

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