Spotlight on Yonna

Founder of People United as One and Mott Haven Fridge Network produce distributor in the Bronx

“I’m a bereavement counselor for a hospice. I have different affiliations through my church and sorority, so doing charity work is not foreign to me. It’s something I’ve grown up doing. From Christmas toy drives, to coat distribution in winter months to a yearly veteran’s toiletry supply drive, I’ve always been involved in service to the community. In September of 2020, I launched a non-profit with Melania Clunie called People United As One. Our mission is to help the community, no questions asked. We basically combat food insufficiency with our mobile pantry that we drive around the Bronx and Manhattan. We bring food directly to peoples’ homes and it’s become somewhat of a social outlet for seniors; we engage with them and ensure their mental health while delivering them food. Eight months ago, Bronx Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez referred me to Dan at Mott Haven Fridge. And let me tell you—this changed what we did 100%. We were distributing food, but it was processed and canned food. Getting our hands on fresh produce was a wish of ours, so when we were finally able to access this food, it was a true blessing. So now we’re able to service hundreds of families—seniors and homebound—with fresh, nutritious food. This gives them healthy choices. A lot of these people are combatting a variety of health issues so having healthy produce really improves their quality of life. Their reactions were overwhelming. One mother of six we deliver food to was so happy that she cried. They don’t even ask what we have, they just take it. They are so overwhelmed with joy. A lot of people ask us, “How much do we have to pay? We don’t have a lot of money.” The fact that the food is free is really a blessing. There’s definitely a gift in giving. The rewards are insurmountable. It’s the best feeling to be able to help your fellow man. We’ve all been at a place where we’ve needed help and being able to help someone without any ulterior motive, it just brings our hearts joy.”

—Yonna L., co-founder of People United As One and Mott Haven Fridge food distributor

Every Saturday, our volunteer drivers bring fresh produce directly to committed community organizers like Yonna. Just $1 to our driver program rescues and delivers 21 pounds of food for neighbors in need.