Despite the chill in the air, a horde of volunteers set up shop on Nov. 21 in front of Brooklyn Borough Hall to hand out supplies by the cartload for Borough President Antonio Reynoso’s annual Thanksgiving food giveaway.
“Brooklyn takes care of Brooklyn,” said Reynoso. “All these guys, not only did they come with some funding that really helped us, but they brought bodies, and they want to see this work happen.”
The event distributed about 70,000 pounds of fresh produce, like carrots, cabbage, corn, broccoli, bread, tomatoes, squash, and potatoes. The giveaway also included non-perishable items like rice and boxes of stuffing for yummy family goodness.
Volunteers prepared giant bags, crates, and carts of food for more than 125 houses of worship, community kitchens, and other community-based organizations addressing food insecurity and homelessness across Brooklyn. The 67th Precinct Clergy Council GodSquad, 1199SEIU, and the Brooklyn Metropolis Lions Club, to name a few.
Ariama C. Long photos
A volunteer packs a giveaway bag. 
Crates of fresh corn packed with ice. 
A team of National Grid volunteers pack bags with zucchini squash and other goods at the giveaway in front of borough hall. 
A volunteer from Brownsville In Violence Out (BIVO) carries two turkeys. 
Brownsville In Violence Out (BIVO) team volunteers at the food giveaway. 
Borough president staff load up the Godsquad van with food supplies. 
Borough president staff load up the Godsquad van with food supplies. 
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso greets community organizers at the food giveaway ahead of Thanksgiving on Friday, Nov 21, 2025. 
BP Antonio Reynoso greets a community organizer at the food giveaway. 
BP Reynoso speaks with press at the food giveaway in front of Borough Hall in Brooklyn on Nov. 21.
Coming out of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, many elected officials have been hyper-focused on beating back food insecurity because of a projected delay in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payouts. Volunteers have been working overtime to support community organizers, food banks, and pantries just in case.
“I think we all know the situation that’s happening at the federal government and the food insecurity that exists, but I think it gives people some faith that at the local level that we’re still looking out for their interests,” said Reynoso. “Even if we fall on hard times, the local folks here in Brooklyn, the borough president, and these organizations are going to be there to have their back. …We’re not scared of a threat from the federal government. We would not want it to happen, but we’re ready. We know how to take care of ourselves. We know how to take care of each other.”
This event was made possible by the support of National Grid, Optimum, Ponce Bank, Citizens Bank, Met Council, Macerich, Food Bazaar, and Hispanic Federation.