Aaron Boone stood inside Yankee Stadium’s Gate 8 on Monday morning, handing out fresh produce and other goods to residents of the Bronx. The Yankees manager said that the event helped him feel connected with the community.

Boone’s presence helped support a partnership between the Yankees and the Food Bank for New York City, which has held a monthly "pop-up" distribution at the ballpark since May, assisting 500 families each month that face heightened food insecurities.

“To get out here and be a part of putting some food on peoples’ tables, especially this time of year, it means a lot,” Boone said. “It’s a reminder not to take for granted the things that some of us deem simple or basic needs.”

Boone and Yankees staff members were joined in the distribution by volunteers from Bank of America.

“Hunger is a major issue in our country, and specifically in New York City, especially in the neighborhoods that we’re serving today,” said Stephanie Carosella, a senior vice president and community relations manager at Bank of America. “We can make sure that folks have some more meals this holiday season.”

The Yankees also thanked Krasdale Foods for supporting the initiative, which was implemented within the scope of the New York Yankees Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

“As you can see by the line that formed outside of the stadium, people in the community have grown to expect this distribution,” said Janis Robinson, vice president of institutions and partnerships at Food Bank for New York City. “We are so pleased that we have the support of the Yankees to provide food for families for Thanksgiving.”