WHAT WE DO
We address food insecurity and loneliness among Asian American older adults living in significantly under-resourced and underinvested communities. At Heart of Dinner, we’ve developed an approach we’re deeply proud of—a combination of nourishing food, personal artwork, and handwritten love notes that has become central to how we care for our community. Each culturally thoughtful element is designed to feed the body, heart, and soul of our Elders.
While being one of the fastest-growing populations, Asian American older adults often remain overlooked in discussions about food security and mental health. Many of those we serve face longstanding inequities, with about 1 in 3 living below the poverty line. Compounded by cultural, linguistic, and technological barriers, these challenges reflect systemic gaps and societal neglect. Despite this, their resilience and spirit continue to inspire us every day.
Heart of Dinner care packages are designed to go beyond meeting basic needs survival needs. With the rise of depression and suicide among elderly immigrants, Heart of Dinner is committed to bringing love, joy, and togetherness to their lives for the long-term, reminding them that they are cherished, seen, and never alone.
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WHAT WE DO
Turning care into action
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We raise energy and funds from our global community of supporters who we lovingly call "Big Hearts".
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Then, we support local restaurants and food distributors by purchasing each prepared lunchbox and cases of Asian heritage crops.
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We rally kind individuals to volunteer their time and creativity by writing handwritten notes and decorating bags for our heartwarming and uplifting care packages.
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Finally, we hand-deliver Heart of Dinner signature care packages of culturally thoughtful foods and loving messages to our Elderly beneficiaries who are faced with loneliness and barriers of accessing essential resources for survival.
IMPACT (AS OF AUGUST 2024)
With the support of our donors, volunteers, partner restaurants, local food businesses and farms, we’ve managed to meaningfully impact the lives of Asian immigrant Elders facing inequity.
Over 650 Elders served weekly.
Over 200,000 meals & love notes delivered.
Fosters an intergenerational community of volunteers in the thousands that transcends cultural differences and spreads empathy and compassion.
Jacqueline Russo Eng
Owner-Baker, Partybus Bakeshop
Working with Heart of Dinner has definitely been a huge help with keeping the business going and sustaining our employees. My whole staff is here working a full day and it feels really good. I think if not for Heart of Dinner bringing so many great people and businesses together, I would feel a lot darker right now.
IN THE MEDIA
Select press
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"Aging Asian Americans face high rates of social isolation and poverty. This group often lacks adequate support systems. But one New York City nonprofit is looking to change that—one meal at a time."
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“They created Heart of Dinner to cook fresh food that older Asians in New York City would be familiar with...and deliver it all with a personal touch.”
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Uplifting AAPI Voices: A TIME Summit
Join TIME for our second-annual Uplifting AAPI Voices Summit, a celebration held in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Guests will share essential perspectives on identity, creativity, and impact—as well as the intersectional path toward equity.
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GET INVOLVED
Want to help? We’d love to hear from you.
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We urgently need volunteers to help us create 700 decorated bags each week. Our Elders cherish these bags, often keeping them to find comfort and hope when they feel alone. Your creativity will bring lasting joy and dignity to those who need it most.
Urgent Call for Help: We Need 700 Decorated Bags Every Week!