When Mrs. Haddad first stepped into the Brooklyn Hub, she carried more than just the weight of empty grocery bags. She carried the hopes of her family. Having arrived in New York from Egypt, she spoke no English and worried constantly about how she would feed her children. The bustling city around her felt overwhelming, but inside the Hub, she found something unexpected: understanding, compassion, and a bridge across the language barrier.
The Brooklyn Hub, run by Met Council, is more than a food pantry. It’s a lifeline where families from diverse backgrounds, many newly arrived and navigating unfamiliar systems, receive support without fear or stigma. For Mrs. Haddad, the turning point came when her daughter Lina, just 15 years old, became the family’s voice. With the help of translation tools like Google Translate and Language Line, Lina guided her mother through the process of ordering affordable groceries online through Market by Met Council.
At first, Mrs. Haddad worried constantly about whether there would be enough food on the table. But today, thanks to technology-driven solutions, she no longer carries that burden. Culturally familiar groceries, like lentils, rice, and fresh produce, arrive consistently, easing the family’s financial strain and allowing Lina to focus on her studies instead of survival.
For Mrs. Haddad, the pantry is more than a source of food; it is a symbol of dignity. She recalls the relief of being able to cook her favorite meals again, connecting her children to their heritage and reminding them of home. Beyond nutrition, the support has freed the family to redirect limited resources toward rent, education, and stability.
Their story is echoed by thousands of families across New York. As Met Council expands emergency food access and capacity, more parents like Mrs. Haddad will experience the same relief: the knowledge that their children will not go hungry and that they can build a healthy future filled with hope.
