Goya Foods Donates 5,000 Pounds Of Food To Catholic Charities In Support Of The National Puerto Rican Day Parade's Food Drive

SECAUCUS, N.J., June 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Goya Foods, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States, donates 5,000 pounds of food to the National Puerto Rican Day Parade's food drive.  The food donation will benefit Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York's Feeding Our Neighbors campaign, which supports a vast network of food pantries and emergency food programs throughout the archdiocese.

The donation is part of the Goya Gives campaign, a series of annual donations initiated in 2011 in celebration of Goya's 75^th anniversary that serves to encourage others to participate in the message of helping those in need. "We are grateful to have the opportunity to support the good work of organizations like the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and Catholic Charities, who make a positive impact on so many lives," says Rafael Toro, Director of Public Relations. "Since the initiation of the Goya Gives campaign, we have donated over four million pounds of food to various charities worldwide and encourage others through social media and our networks to help out in times of need." 

The St. Cecilia's food pantry at the East Harlem Center as well as the emergency food program of the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service will each receive 2,500 pounds of food. "Catholic Charities is delighted to partner with Goya and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade to raise much needed food for our Feeding Our Neighbors Campaign," says Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York.  "Goya's donation of 5,000 pounds of food will provide an additional 4,000 meals to families in East Harlem."

Lorraine Cortes-Vazquez, President of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade says, "We are thrilled to have launched the 'Alimentar Nuestro Projimo' Food Drive, as one of our deeply-rooted community and cultural initiatives to help those in need.  'A donde come uno, pueden comer dos' is a common phrase used in all Puerto Rican households, meaning that, 'Through sharing, you can feed a crowd.'  It is about service, kindness and support.  The National Puerto Rican Day Parade Board's motto 'Un pueblo, muchas voces' (One Nation, Many Voices) embodies the intent and goal of this food drive…one community united to support others.  We are proud to collaborate with Catholic Charities Food Pantries and GOYA in this exciting project."

"The Puerto Rican Day Parade embodies the activism and generosity of spirit that defines our community, and it is fitting that this year's event kicks off with the donation of 5,000 pounds of food to fight hunger in New York City," says New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.  "Thanks to Goya Foods' incredible community service, Catholic Charities' Feeding our Neighbors campaign, working in collaboration with St. Cecilia's food pantry and the Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service will have the resources to make an invaluable difference in the lives of New Yorkers in need."

The public can also share the #GoyaGives message with friends and family through Facebook and Twitter. For more information about Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.

For more information about the National Puerto Rican Day Parade's programming and events, visit www.nprdpinc.org.  

For more information about the Feeding Our Neighbors campaign, please visit www.catholiccharitiesny.org/feedingourneighbors.    

About GOYA: Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America's largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures packages and distributes over 2,200 high-quality food products from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; their combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings and convenient preparation make them ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com 

About the National Puerto Rican Day Parade: 
Established in 1957, The National Puerto Rican Day Parade serves to celebrate and help preserve Puerto Rican culture and to create national awareness of the contributions Puerto Ricans have made to mainstream society on a global scale.  Its mission is to empower the Puerto Rican community through promoting arts, culture, education and civic engagement in an effort to help advance the Puerto Rican and Latino community.  The Parade organizers embrace a responsibility to inspire Puerto Rican youth and instill a strong sense of self worth and pride in our community.

About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York: Catholic Charities, a federation of approximately 90 agencies and programs located throughout the 10 counties of the Archdiocese of New York, helps solve the problems of New Yorkers in need – non-Catholics and Catholics alike– with services that protect and nurture children, resolve family crises, assist the hungry and homeless, support the physically and emotionally challenged, and integrate immigrants and refugees. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. For more information on how to donate or volunteer, please visit our website at catholiccharitiesny.org. 

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140604/94231 

SOURCE Goya Foods