A New York financial executive, Jay Zises is familiar with areas such as life insurance and investment management. Dedicated to giving back to his community, Jay Zises volunteers with organizations such as the Episcopal Church of Heavenly Rest’s soup kitchen.

1. THE CHURCH OF
HEAVENLY REST’S
HUNGER PROGRAM
Jay Zises

2. INTRODUCTION
 A New York financial executive, Jay Zises is familiar with areas such
as life insurance and investment management. Dedicated to giving
back to his community, Jay Zises volunteers with organizations such
as the Episcopal Church of Heavenly Rest’s soup kitchen.
As part of its efforts to create a thriving community of action and
prayer, the Episcopal Church of Heavenly Rest maintains several
outreach programs, including its soup kitchen. The church first
established the kitchen in 1890 to meet the needs of those who
hungered in New York City. Over the subsequent decades, life in
the city changed and resulted in more people requiring regular
access to food.
Due to the increased demand for food in the 1970s, the Church of
Heavenly Rest helped grow New York City’s food pantry network,
starting with the Yorkville Common Pantry.

3. CHURCH OF HEAVENLY REST
 The organization also began a program that served
holiday meals to those in need at the church. Now that
the city has more than 1,200 food pantries and soup
kitchens, the Church of Heavenly Rest has changed its
hunger program to focus on nourishing the soul, mind,
and body.
This more comprehensive program responds to the
realistic needs of people living in the city today. Via
educational opportunities that teach residents about the
importance of healthier food choices, the church hopes
to disrupt the cycle of poverty. Meanwhile, it boosts the
effects of its own programs and others by connecting
programs to better serve each individual and family in
need.