The CNN heroes program spotlights ordinary individuals who accomplish extraordinary deeds. Of the 10 individuals selected, each of whom will receive $25,000, one will become the CNN hero of the year, and it’s up to viewers to decide who that will be. Votes can be cast at cnn.com/heroes, and the winner will be announced on Thanksgiving at 9 p.m.
When Munoz started giving out food, he never expected to be nationally recognized. The idea came about in 2004, when he saw workers from a food processing plant on Long Island throwing out food.
“I tell them, ‘Just let me have that food,’” Munoz said. Provisions in hand, he decided to make dinner for hungry neighbors.
The first evening, eight day laborers showed up to eat. Now, Munoz feeds between 100 and 150 people a night, and he says he hopes to begin providing food to people outside of Jackson Heights.
“To cook for 120 is a lot,” Munoz said. “I used to buy every week 60 to 80 pounds of chicken, 100 pounds of rice.”
The meals are prepared at Munoz’ home. Volunteers begin cooking around 2 p.m., and Munoz joins in after his bus driving shift. Food is passed out from about 9:30 to midnight, at which point Munoz heads home for a scant five hours of sleep, before beginning his morning bus route.
Munoz gets donations from restaurants, but much of the food is paid for out of his own pocket, costing him upwards of $400 a week.
Elected officials, coworkers and friends gathered on Nov. 13 at the Queens Museum of Art, urging people to cast their votes for Munoz, with chants of, “Jorge! Jorge! Jorge!” Those who spoke called Munoz a “saint,” a “hero” and an “angel.”
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