Federal cuts to food stamps might make for longer lines at an East Harlem food pantry, but our latest New Yorker of the Week is making sure that does not mean a drop in a person's dignity.  John Schiumo filed the following report.

When you walk into the New York Common Pantry in East Harlem, Noby Rivera greets you. She helps create the welcoming environment - one she experienced growing up.

 “I come from a single mom, she raised me and my brother and there was a struggle with her when we first came to New York and that’s something that you never forget. So, community helped get us out from where we used to live, and that’s something that stays within you,” she said.

That is exactly how Noby wants every New Yorker to feel when they walk through the pantry’s doors. The non-profit’s mission is to reduce hunger while promoting nutrition, self-sufficiency, and maybe more importantly, respect.

 “Getting food on the table isn’t easy anymore,” she said. “There are families that still work and still it’s not enough to get food on the table. A lot of people feel like it’s humiliating to come and ask for food and once you come here, you don’t feel like that. That’s not how we make the clients feel here.”

 “What we really want to do is break down those barriers and let people know, you’re playing by the rules, you're working hard, the cost of living in our city is quite high, let’s help you get back on your feet, let’s bridge those gaps for you. Noby is the embodiment of what we aspire to in our organization,” said Stephen Grimaldi, executive director of New York Common Pantry.

Over the past three years, Noby organized hundreds of volunteers and met face-to-face with the 2,000 families who visit the pantry each week. The long-time East Harlem resident embraces all of them with open arms and an open mind.

 “Every time I come she’s just always smiling. I’ve come sometimes where I’m not feeling that great but I end up leaving feeling great, because I’ve had some kind of communication with her. When people are in crisis or when people lose things they have, you need that,” said one pantry client.

 “I love her. I don't know about everybody here, but I do love her,” said another.

 So, for nourishing those in need with warmth and respect, Noby Rivera is our New Yorker of the Week.

For more information about the organization, visit nycommonpantry.org.