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Last June, SAGE announced the eight recipients of its Equity Innovation Lab (EIL) program for 2024. This program offers financial and technical support to uplift marginalized and historically under-resourced LGBTQ+ elder communities nationwide. The EIL provides an $8,000 grant to each recipient, year-long technical assistance, and other helpful services.

Next up in our Equity Innovation Labs Spotlight Series is the Love Wins NYC Food Pantry!

Could you introduce yourself to our readers? What’s your name and position?

“My name is Mauricio Piratova, and I serve as the General Manager of Love Wins NYC.”

Where is your organization located? What is your mission? When did your organization begin?

“Love Wins NYC is based in New York City. Our mission is to fight food insecurity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, by providing fresh free quality produce. We prioritize dignity and inclusivity in our work, ensuring that food access is barrier-free for marginalized groups — including trans migrants and LGBTQ+ older adults. Our work began in front of a gay bar called Friends Tavern during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to the urgent need for a safe space for food distribution. Since then, we have grown to operate five food pantries across the city.”

How do you support LGBTQ+ elders through your work? What resources will you provide through the Equity Innovation Lab’s support?

“LGBTQ+ elders often face different challenges, including economic instability, social isolation, and lack of access to culturally competent services. At Love Wins NYC, we work closely with partners like SAGE or the Queens Center for Gay Seniors to ensure older LGBTQ+ adults receive high-quality, fresh food in spaces where they feel welcomed. Through the Equity Innovation Lab’s support, we aim to strengthen our accessibility and create consistency in one of our food pantries located in Harlem, which is led by Black lesbian older adult community leaders.”

What changes have you noticed in your community since starting the food pantry?

“One of the biggest changes we have noticed is the consistency of people returning to our pantries. Our community knows that we are a reliable resource, which is especially important as food prices and inflation continue to rise. More people are turning to us for support, and we have adapted to meet the growing demand by expanding our reach.”

What do you wish people knew about accessing food or about food insecurity in general?

“Food insecurity remains a serious issue in the United States, and New York City is no exception. Beyond just food insecurity, nutrition insecurity is also a growing concern. It is important that our communities have access to healthy and nourishing food, which is why our work focuses on providing high-quality, fresh produce.”

Does the winter bring additional challenges to food access and/or your pantry’s ability to serve?

“Every season comes with its challenges. In the summer, we see a significant increase in people coming to our pantries. In the winter, bad weather can make it harder for families and older adults to reach us. We try to adapt when our pantries have indoor spaces, but our main site on Roosevelt Avenue is entirely outdoors, which makes things more difficult. Despite this, our volunteers continue to show up — demonstrating their deep commitment to our community. It’s also important to note that even in the winter, the number of people we serve does not decrease drastically. Hunger is a year-round issue.”

How can people support your mission and/or share their story? Do you have any socials or resources you’d like to share?

“The best way to support our work is by donating or following us on social media at @lovewinsnyc. If you are based in New York City we invite you to volunteer with us!”

This interview was edited for clarity and length.