[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING REFETTORIO HARLEM IN NEW YORK CITY

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I recently had the pleasure of visiting 
Refettorio Harlem, an incredible nonprofit restaurant and food pantry 
in New York City.
  Refettorio Harlem is housed in the historic Emanuel AME Church and is 
run by Free Food Harlem. With incredible partners like Food for Soul, 2 
nights a week, chefs transform perfectly good but unused food into 
multicourse fine dining dishes, served free of charge to anyone in 
need.
  On Wednesday and Friday evenings, Refettorio is bustling with 
community and conversation as neighbors come together for a shared meal 
and a welcoming space.
  During my visit, I tasted a delicious bowl of zero waste ramen with 
glazed chicken and bok choy, perfect for a cold winter day.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Jill, Matt, and Bob, and everyone at Refettorio 
for taking a few minutes during meal prep to show me around.
  Refettorio Harlem is a spectacular example of what is possible when 
dedicated, like-minded people come together to not only fight hunger 
but also combat food waste. We need to uplift more innovative models 
like Refettorio Harlem to end hunger now.

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