Food Bank For New York City Announces the Retirement of its President and Chief Executive Officer

NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Food Bank For New York City, the area's major hunger-relief organization that focuses on ending food poverty throughout the five boroughs, announced today that its long-time President and Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Cabrera, Ph.D., will retire effective May 31, 2011.  Dr. Cabrera has led the Food Bank for more than two decades.  

Dr. Cabrera has a long and distinguished career in non-profit management. Under her leadership, the Food Bank's mission has expanded beyond food distribution to ongoing support and resources that enable approximately 1,000 community-based member programs to build capacity and connect low-income New Yorkers with much-needed benefits and services.  "Dr. Cabrera has led the organization for the past 23 years," said Rev. Henry Belin, Chairman of the Food Bank Board of Directors.  "Under her guidance, the Food Bank has become the city's only hub for integrated food poverty assistance, tackling the hunger issue on three fronts – food distribution, income support and nutrition education.  The board and the entire Food Bank staff appreciate the passion Dr. Cabrera has brought to the organization over the years, and her many meaningful contributions."

Rev. Belin added that Dr. Cabrera will continue to serve in her current role as the Food Bank Board of Directors engages in a search for a successor.

"I look back on my career at the Food Bank with great pride," said Dr. Cabrera. "Our organization has grown from a small provider to one of the country's largest and most prestigious food banks, serving 1.5 million New Yorkers today.  I leave behind an organization that is in a strong financial position, has a stellar reputation, and has an independent research wing.  I'm confident that the strength of our member network, a highly committed board of directors, and a skilled and dedicated executive team will take the Food Bank to the next level."

About the Food Bank For New York City

Food Bank For New York City recognizes 27 years as the city's major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs.  As the city's hub for integrated food poverty assistance, the Food Bank tackles the hunger issue on three fronts — food distribution, income support and nutrition education — all strategically guided by its research. Through its network of approximately 1,000 community-based member programs citywide, the Food Bank helps provide 400,000 free meals a day for New Yorkers in need. The Food Bank's hands-on nutrition education program in the public schools reaches thousands of children, teens and adults. Income support services including food stamps, free tax assistance for the working poor and the Earned Income Tax Credit put millions of dollars back in the pockets of low-income New Yorkers, helping them to achieve greater dignity and independence. Learn how you can help at foodbanknyc.org.

SOURCE Food Bank For New York City