By: Ana Gonzalez, Director of Marketing
November 4, 2025
Category: community | leadership | service
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Ana Gonzalez, Director of Marketing
Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter School
ana.gonzalez@ialcs.org
(646) 319 – 9581
Inwood Academy Launches “Neighbors Nourish Neighbors” Food Drive to Support Families Affected by the Government Shutdown
When our neighbors face hunger, we answer with hope.
NEW YORK, NY — November 3, 2025
In a powerful act of community solidarity, Inwood Academy for Leadership is calling on students, families, and neighbors to unite with compassion through its new campaign, “Neighbors Nourish Neighbors.”
Launched in response to the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on families receiving SNAP benefits, this initiative invites the Inwood and Washington Heights communities to come together to ensure that no family faces an empty table.
At Inwood Academy, leadership begins with empathy. The campaign will fill Mini Pantries located at each school site with non-perishable foods, toiletries, and baby supplies — all collected and distributed by students and families to support their peers during this challenging time. Inwood Academy’s mission is to empower students to belong, grow, and lead—not only in their classrooms but throughout their communities.
“We need to practice a servant leadership mentality.The greatest leaders are servants,” said Christina Reyes, Founder and CEO of Inwood Academy. “Taking our eyes off of our own problems to support others provides us with a true sense of purpose which we all need in life – purpose.”
When people come together to give, something extraordinary happens: generosity strengthens connection, belonging, and purpose. By involving students and families in this collective effort, “Neighbors Nourish Neighbors” transforms compassion into leadership. It reminds each participant that their actions matter, that they are seen, and that community is built one caring choice at a time. This is what leadership looks like in action — empathy expressed through service and belonging made visible through care.
🥫 Campaign Details
Kickoff: November 3, 2025
Collection Period Starts: November 7, 2025
Mini Pantries Open to families: November 25, 2025
Drop-Off Locations:
- Elementary School: 71 Arden Street, New York, NY, 10040
- Middle School: 433 W. 204th Street, New York, NY, 10034
- High School: 3896 10th Avenue, New York, NY, 10034
Suggested donations include rice, beans, canned tuna, pasta, baby formula, peanut butter, and hygiene products. Please ensure all items are unopened and not expired before donating
Inwood Academy has always believed that true leadership is service. Through “Neighbors Nourish Neighbors,” students and families are putting that belief into action—showing that when we care for one another, we create a stronger, more connected community for all.
Join the movement. Donate, volunteer, and spread the word.
Together, we’ll make sure every table has a meal — and every family feels supported and seen.
About Inwood Academy for Leadership
Founded in 2010, Inwood Academy for Leadership Charter School serves students in grades K–12 in Upper Manhattan. Its mission is to empower students to become agents of change through community-focused leadership, character development, and college preparedness.
Guided by the values of Responsibility, Restraint, Integrity, Caring, and Honesty, Inwood Academy’s vision is simple yet powerful: Belong. Grow. Lead.
Inwood Academy is also recognized as a Level 1 Marzano High Reliability School, demonstrating a strong commitment to safe, supportive, and effective learning environments where students are equipped to lead with purpose.
The school offers free after-school programs, athletics, English as a New Language (ENL) supports, and leadership development opportunities to ensure every student has access to enrichment and growth beyond the classroom. For more information about Inwood Academy for Leadership, please visit www.inwoodacademy.org
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