Food Bank event gives hunger a 'Time Out'

Many Columbians’ idea of a “food emergency” is running out of Pop Tarts. However, many fellow Manhattanites face circumstances much more dire—around four million New Yorkers report difficulty affording food, twice the number who reported such difficulties in 2003. The largest groups among those who rely on soup kitchens and food pantries are women, children, seniors, the working poor, and people with disabilities.

This Sunday, however, students have the opportunity to help at Time Out for Hunger. The Food Bank for New York City partners with “Time Out New York” for this event to raise funds to help fight hunger. In 2009, the event raised money for more than 165,000 free meals for hungry New Yorkers. This year, more than 130 participating restaurants have agreed to donate 10 percent of the day’s proceeds to the Food Bank. With various participating restaurants close to campus on the Upper West Side, it is easy for students to enjoy a good meal while helping out New York’s hungry.

For students hungry for soul food, Rack and Soul (109th Street and Broadway) seems the perfect option. Located conveniently close to campus, Rack and Soul features classic dishes such as fried chicken and barbecue pulled pork. Lunch entrees typically cost between $13-15, and dinner entrees run from $17-19. For students living on campus who are too busy to dine out, but who still want to participate in Time Out for Hunger, Rack and Soul offers free delivery throughout Morningside Heights.

Indus Valley (100th Street and Broadway) offers various Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, including kebabs and curries. Delivery is available for orders of at least $12 from 75th Street up to 125th Street, and work-swamped students can even place orders online. Entrees are a little on the expensive side, ranging from $10-18, but that is not unreasonable for good Indian food close to campus.
For students over 21, Accademia di Vino (Broadway between 89th and 90th streets) offers the opportunity to sample both classic and modern Italian dishes along with a wine list featuring over 400 selections. Entrees are approximately $25. Even underage patrons can partake in the experience of Italian cuisine, albeit for a somewhat steep price.

Students can help fight hunger in New York City while savoring cuisines from around the world, whether by seizing an opportunity to get off campus or by ordering delivery to their dorms.