Tomorrow, as hip hop commemorates its 50th anniversary, the Bronx is preparing for a groundbreaking event. DJ Funk Flex, an iconic figure in the hip hop world and celebrated son of the Bronx, is uniting with two nonprofit innovators, Grassroots Grocery and Sharing Excess. Together, supported by Grubhub, they will launch a massive food distribution at P.S. 078X – The Anne Hutchinson School. The event promises over 10,000 pounds of fresh produce and 400 takeaway meals from a local restaurant and will be held between the of 05:00 p.m. and 07:00 p.m.
“I grew up in these streets, felt the rhythms of the Bronx in my bones, and it has given me everything,” says Funk Flex, who just a week ago performed to a packed house at Madison Square Garden. “It is time to give back, and what better way than nourishing the community with good food and good vibes. This is more than an event; it is a reunion.”
Grassroots Grocery and Sharing Excess, with support from Grubhub, will deliver over 10,000 pounds of fresh produce. Grubhub’s Serving the City program will also purchase and distribute 400 complimentary, culturally relevant meals from local Caribbean restaurant, Triple Deuce.
“Restaurants sit at the heart of communities, and we are very proud to not only support a local business like Triple Deuce and provide meals at today’s event but also help provide access to fresh produce to help feed the block,” said Brett Swanson, Senior Manager of Community Affairs and Social Impact at Grubhub. “Our Serving the City program is all about bringing people together to impact local communities, and we owe a big thank you to the Mayor’s Office, Senator Bailey, Speaker Carl Heastie, Council Member Riley, and of course Funk Flex himself for making today happen.”
Evan Ehlers, CEO and Founder of Sharing Excess, added, “Sharing Excess is so excited to partner with Grassroots Grocery and Funk Flex for this amazing neighborhood food distribution. Our organization is dedicated to increasing access to fresh and free produce for communities everywhere and hope this will be the start of many more distributions with GG throughout the Bronx.”
Council Member Kevin C. Riley noted, “Creating pathways for partnerships that serve Bronx families is key to revitalizing our communities. Today’s community giveback in our district exemplifies community action to not only feed Bronxites and address insecurities but to also enrich our unity and development. I am unceasingly dedicated to empowering organizations and opportunities that align with this effort. Thank you Grassroots Grocery, Funk Flex, my colleagues in government, and the national platforms and nonprofits involved for working together to reaffirm our commitment to the Northeast Bronx.”
State Senator Jamaal Bailey conveyed, “I am grateful for the opportunity to come together with our dedicated partners and hip-hop and Bronx legends like Funk Flex to give back to the community that has given us so much. Hip-hop has always been rooted in the principles of creativity, innovation, and social responsibility – and through this collaborative effort, we are not only celebrating the artistry of hip-hop but its ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together to uplift and create positive change in our communities.”
Grassroots Grocery’s founder, Dan Zauderer, who founded Grassroots Grocery after his time as a Bronx middle school teacher, feels the profound connection of this event to his mission, “We are harnessing the power of collaboration to bring dignified access to food directly to communities. Hosting this at a school, with the legendary Funk Flex coming home to his community, and the support of so many innovative and community-minded partners, truly captures the essence of neighbors helping neighbors.”
As the anticipation grows, the event’s core message remains crystal clear: This is not just about fresh produce or hip-hop beats. It is a movement of community solidarity, of neighbors genuinely helping neighbors.
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