Mario Batali

May 13, 2009, The New York Times — Grilled shrimp and chicken Milanese for 3,200. Music by the Black Eyed Peas.

In fall of 2008, the 25-year-old Food Bank For New York City was facing a crisis. A quickly souring economy was a double-edged sword — making for an increased need among people requiring food assistance, and decreased donations of both food and money from businesses and individuals feeling the pinch.

The recession is prompting the leading hunger relief charity in the United States to speed up its current development plan by two years to meet demand for its services.