Full Name
Martina Santos
Job Title
Board Member
Organization
West Side Campaign Against Hunger
Speaker Bio
Born in the Dominican Republic, Martina Santos moved to New York City with her mother at 17 years old after losing her father when she was just 12. Though she didn’t finish high school, Martina earned her GED and went on to build a full life—marrying at 19 and raising four children.
Martina first came to West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) in 2009 as a customer, at a time when her income was low and she couldn’t afford enough food to last through the month. A close friend introduced her to WSCAH during a period of deep depression—a moment that would change her life. “When I first came to WSCAH, I immediately noticed the quality of the food,” she recalls. “I went home with a smile, carrying fresh fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains that I had chosen myself. That experience made me feel worthy and helped me put aside the stigma of visiting a food pantry.”
Almost immediately, Martina became a volunteer, drawn to WSCAH’s welcoming community and mission to ensure all New Yorkers have dignified access to healthy food and support services. “When one person helps another, you can see the joy come to their face,” she says. Over the past 14 years, she has witnessed WSCAH grow from one distribution point to more than 30 across the city, including home deliveries to over 1,500 households.
Today, Martina proudly serves as a WSCAH Board Member, while continuing to volunteer and receive food from the pantry. “Being on the Board means the world to me,” she shares. “I feel even more connected to the work and to the customers we serve with dignity, respect, and kindness. Everyone deserves access to healthy food.”
Through her advocacy work alongside WSCAH CEO Greg Silverman, Martina shares her story to amplify the voices of others experiencing food insecurity. She has spoken on podcasts, visited City Hall and the State Capitol, and given testimony about the critical need for emergency feeding programs. “This is work that requires great effort and financial support,” she emphasizes. “But it fills me with love and life to help others and to see the light in people’s eyes when they receive help.”
For Martina, WSCAH has truly become a second home. Her greatest satisfaction comes from referring family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers to WSCAH, knowing they will find not only healthy food but also empathy and kindness. In her free time, she enjoys cooking—especially white rice with sautéed eggplant—and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and close friends. “Being part of WSCAH brings me an unsurmountable amount of joy,” she says. “I am so thankful.”
Martina first came to West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) in 2009 as a customer, at a time when her income was low and she couldn’t afford enough food to last through the month. A close friend introduced her to WSCAH during a period of deep depression—a moment that would change her life. “When I first came to WSCAH, I immediately noticed the quality of the food,” she recalls. “I went home with a smile, carrying fresh fruits, vegetables, protein, and grains that I had chosen myself. That experience made me feel worthy and helped me put aside the stigma of visiting a food pantry.”
Almost immediately, Martina became a volunteer, drawn to WSCAH’s welcoming community and mission to ensure all New Yorkers have dignified access to healthy food and support services. “When one person helps another, you can see the joy come to their face,” she says. Over the past 14 years, she has witnessed WSCAH grow from one distribution point to more than 30 across the city, including home deliveries to over 1,500 households.
Today, Martina proudly serves as a WSCAH Board Member, while continuing to volunteer and receive food from the pantry. “Being on the Board means the world to me,” she shares. “I feel even more connected to the work and to the customers we serve with dignity, respect, and kindness. Everyone deserves access to healthy food.”
Through her advocacy work alongside WSCAH CEO Greg Silverman, Martina shares her story to amplify the voices of others experiencing food insecurity. She has spoken on podcasts, visited City Hall and the State Capitol, and given testimony about the critical need for emergency feeding programs. “This is work that requires great effort and financial support,” she emphasizes. “But it fills me with love and life to help others and to see the light in people’s eyes when they receive help.”
For Martina, WSCAH has truly become a second home. Her greatest satisfaction comes from referring family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers to WSCAH, knowing they will find not only healthy food but also empathy and kindness. In her free time, she enjoys cooking—especially white rice with sautéed eggplant—and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and close friends. “Being part of WSCAH brings me an unsurmountable amount of joy,” she says. “I am so thankful.”
Speaking At
