AM González-Rojas, community partners host community food access expo in Corona

Source: QNS

Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas partnered with elected officials and dozens of community organizations to host a Community Food Access and Resource Expo in Corona on Saturday, which saw more than 500 pounds of fresh produce and dry goods distributed to local families.

The event, which took place at P.S. 19Q Marino Jeantet on April 25, welcomed residents from across the district as part of efforts to connect constituents with food assistance programs and nutrition resources.

González-Rojas organized the recent event in partnership with Assembly Member Catalina Cruz and Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry, with several local organizations such as NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, Queens Together, 82nd Street Academics, Connected Chef and Asian Americans for Equality also taking part.

The expo also aimed to provide enrollment support for a number of SNAP benefits while also connecting community members directly with local food pantries and distribution programs.

González-Rojas described the expo as a “powerful example” of what is possible when a community comes together. She also pledged to fight for “long-term solutions” that would address rising food insecurity.

“At a time when too many families are facing rising costs and uncertainty, we were proud to help connect our neighbors with healthy food, benefits, and services that can make a real difference,” González-Rojas said in a statement. “As food insecurity continues to rise, this work is about more than groceries, it is about dignity, access, and investing in our communities.”

Cruz, on the other hand, said the expo helped to highlight food insecurity, which she described a critical issue impacting the local community.

“Events like these are essential to ensuring families, older adults, and young people can access healthy groceries, public benefits and trusted local services,” Cruz said in a statement. “By connecting our neighbors with SNAP information, food distribution programs, and culturally appropriate services, we are helping meet immediate needs, while building long-term support systems.”

Kim Calichio, co-founder of non-profit Connected Chef, which distributes affordable groceries to Queens residents, said the expo allowed the organization to highlight its Lifeline Groceries program providing affordable and consistent groceries to hundreds of local families.

“Connected Chef is committed to providing affordable, fresh groceries to all families in Queens,” Calichio said. “Nutritious food is a human right and no family should be worried about how to feed their children.” 

Alejandro DeSalvio of 82nd Street Academics, a community-based education non-profit in Jackson Heights, said the recent food expo highlighted the importance of community solidarity.

“Opportunities like this remind us of the power of showing up together, sharing resources, and strengthening the connections that support our children, families and neighbors,” DeSalvio said.