Chatting with City Harvest CEO Jilly Stephens and Simon Kim at the 2026 City Harvest GALA, hosted by Bowen Yang

José Andrés, Vikas Khanna, Simon Kim, Eric Ripert, Sandra Ripert and CEO Jilly Stephens. Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images for City Harvest.

The 2026 City Harvest GALA “Shaken, Not Stirred” took place on Tuesday, April 21st, which was hosted by Emmy-nominated comedian and actor Bowen Yang at the New York venue Cipriani 42nd Street.

City Harvest CEO Jilly Stephens and 2026 Honoree participated in red carpet interviews about the importance of the work that City Harvest does for New York City.

City Harvest is a nonprofit organization, as well as New York City’s first and largest food rescue organization.

CEO Jilly Stephens

On being a part of the 2026 City Harvest GALA, CEO Jilly Stephens remarked, “All of the supporters that came out tonight really fuel our work and they make it possible. I am looking forward to a great night, which will help us put a lot of food on people’s plates.”

Stephens spoke about having Bowen Yang host and recognizing Simon Kim. “It does not get any better than Bowen and Simon. It is great to have them both involved. There is nothing else we would enjoy more than having Bowen host and honoring Simon this evening,” she said.

“Visits to New York City soup kitchens and food pantries are at a persistent high amid an affordability crisis in our city,” Stephens said.

“I hope people realize how great the need is in New York City… it is not getting any better,” she observed.

“I am grateful to the many New Yorkers who have joined us to support our work providing free, nutritious food to soup kitchens and food pantries throughout the five boroughs during this critical time,” she elaborated.

“It’s this support that enables us to do more for our neighbors in need today, and for the many more we expect to turn to us in the future as cuts to federal food assistance take effect,” she added.

Simon Kim — 2026 Honoree

The event honored restaurateur, activist, and entrepreneur Simon Kim, who is also a member of City Harvest’s Board of Directors and Food Council.

His leadership has been instrumental in helping the organization continue to step up and provide millions of pounds of high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste to New Yorkers in need.

In addition, Kim is very committed in supporting local Asian American communities.

On being a 2026 Honoree, Kim expressed, “I am flattered! City Harvest has given me so much more than I could ever give, so this is a great honor. I am very grateful for their mission and I really love being a part of it.”

“Let’s help! The joy of helping is greater when we share…. So, let’s share,” Kim added.

To learn more about the City Harvest, follow its Instagram page and visit its official homepage.

Please Note: This journalist was credentialed to cover the red carpet of the 2026 City Harvest GALA at Cipriani 42nd Street as a member of the media/press.