Mayor Bill de Blasio took time Wednesday to reiterate that no New Yorker will go hungry during the coronavirus pandemic.

He announced that the city has set up a $170 million initiative to feed the city.

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“If no one else is finding a way, we’ll find a way ourselves,” says Mayor de Blasio

Over 1 million New Yorkers were food insecure before COVID-19, which included one in every five children. Now as unemployment grows, more and more New Yorkers have become food insecure.

Mayor de Blasio says since March 16, there have been 4.5 million meals served to New Yorkers.

He says included in the $170 million initiative is investing $50 million is building an NYC Food and Emergency Reserve. The city will be purchasing 18 million meals as back-up.

Also listed in the initiative is emergency deliveries. The city is now employing TLC-licensed drivers to deliver meals to seniors and vulnerable residents who are unable to leave their homes and get groceries.

Mayor de Blasio says drivers will be paid by the shift.

The mayor also took time to thank grocery store employees, calling them the “unsung heroes” of the coronavirus pandemic. He also said the city will support any store that requires customers to wear face masks.