NEW YORK, NY, June 26, 2025 — In a collaborative effort to combat food insecurity and promote community health, the American Heart Association has donated a new commercial refrigerator to Xavier Mission, a New York City nonprofit that has been addressing hunger and homelessness for more than 40 years. The new unit will significantly boost Xavier Mission’s ability to store fresh produce and other perishable, heart-healthy foods, helping the organization meet increasing demands to provide food and improve nutritional offerings for those in need.
Since its founding in 1983, Xavier Mission has provided a broad range of services to support New Yorkers in need, with a focus on empowerment, self-sufficiency, and treating every guest with dignity and respect. Each month, the Mission offers a Customer-Choice Food Pantry, designed to resemble a shopping experience—giving guests the autonomy to choose what they need. In 2024 alone, Xavier Mission distributed over 72,000 meals to 8,000 people through its pantry. Additionally, Xavier Mission hosts a Welcome Table every Sunday, a day when most other soup kitchens in NYC are closed. The Welcome table serves over 1,000 hot meals weekly, averaging 55,000 hot meals annually.
“As the number of guests we serve continues to grow, so does our need for additional storage and refrigeration,” said Cassandra Agredo, Executive Director, Xavier Mission. “This new refrigerator allows us to safely store and distribute fresh, perishable items like produce, dairy, and meat—foods that would otherwise spoil quickly. It’s a game-changer in helping us offer a more varied and nutritious selection, going beyond non-perishable staples to better support the health and well-being of our community.”
Xavier Mission’s work plays a vital role in providing relief, support, and hope to New Yorkers facing hardship. The American Heart Association is honored to contribute to such meaningful, purpose-driven efforts that are making a tangible difference in the lives of so many.
“Our collaboration with Xavier Mission reflects the American Heart Association’s commitment to building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Robin Vitale, Vice President, Community Impact, American Heart Association in New York City. “By supporting Xavier Mission’s ability to offer more nutritious food options, we’re working together to create a lasting impact on public health across New York City.”