Shut out by shut down? Theory 9 gives out a reason to say thanks

Four hundred Bronx families have the essentials for a Thanksgiving meal, with help from nonprofit Theory 9’s annual turkey giveaway — a meaningful act after Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, benefits were delayed earlier this month due to the federal government shutdown. 

Benefits were fully restored by the week of Nov. 9, but Council Member Pierina Sanchez, who helped host the drive, said uncertainty still lingers. 

“Folks don’t have that level of trust that next month’s food is going to be coming,” she told The Press. “They’re worried, they’re concerned. Even a line like this is twice as long as it normally is.” 

Hundreds of residents stood outside Marie Curie High School on Nov. 23, listening to upbeat music and talking with one another while they waited. At the front, volunteers stood behind fold-up tables that were piled high with Thanksgiving goods. 

One section had frozen turkeys, chickens and ham, while another offered bags of potatoes, peppers, mangos and other fresh fruits and vegetables. Canned and other non-perishable foods were also available. 

For some, like 38-year-old Bryan Ramirez, the drive was much-needed relief coming off November’s SNAP pause. Ramirez has lived in the area about three years, but before that, he was in the homeless shelter system. While he has built himself back up from financial hardship in many ways, resources like this help him supplement other rising costs.

“It’s gonna help me have money for other things, like washing clothes and utensils to eat with,” Ramirez said. 

Ashley Martinez, 29, also felt the impact of delays. As a nonprofit employee, she had only ever been on the giving side as a volunteer. Sunday was her first time getting food from a drive, which she said would provide for her family members too. 

“I was anxious, I was scared, it tore me apart,” Martinez recalled. “I understand SNAP is supposed to be supplemental, but it pushed everything back.” 

Others didn’t benefit from the drive personally, but instead were there to pick up goods for members of the community. Two sisters, 24 and 17, who asked not to be named because of privacy concerns, prepare hot meals for residents around Kingsbridge, a Thanksgiving tradition born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Food brings people together, that’s what I thought of it as,” one sister said. 

As the line shortened, supplies dwindled. Izaiah Barrow, Kingsbridge-native and cofounder of Theory 9 alongside Shakir Seagers, said even though dozens were still waiting for food, another load of turkeys would be there tomorrow to make sure everyone was fed. 

During the government shutdown, Barrow noted a major change. He saw people in line he had never seen before, and felt fear in their eyes that there wouldn’t be enough food left. But, he added, things have improved as benefits started picking up. 

According to the state Department of Health, the Bronx faces the highest rate of food insecurity across any borough, with 39 percent of adults having limited access to necessities due to poverty. 

Theory 9 is one organization filling that gap. The nonprofit distributes on the last Friday of every month at Marie Curie High School, 120 West 231st Street.