Congressman Ritchie Torres Inviting South Bronx Pastor Rev. John Udo-Okon to the State of the Union

Reverend John Udo-Okon, a South Bronx pastor and community advocate who works every day with families navigating poverty, food insecurity, and economic uncertainty, has been invited as Congressman Ritchie Torres’s guest for the 2026 State of the Union.

Rev. Udo-Okon leads Word of Life Christian Fellowship International in the South Bronx, where he runs a mobile food pantry, helps residents facing debt collection, and provides direct support to families in crisis. His church has become a lifeline for many in a community already facing some of the highest levels of poverty and unemployment rates in New York City.

In recent months, he has seen conditions get worse. More people are showing up for food, often lining up as early as 3 or 4 a.m., and the need continues to outpace what local organizations can provide. Families are struggling with rising costs, job loss, and shrinking purchasing power. Many cannot cover basic expenses like groceries and utility bills, and churches are stepping in to help fill the gap.

Public health challenges have also intensified. Rev. Udo-Okon has described growing concern in the community about rising COVID-19 and flu cases, paired with reduced outreach and communication from the federal government that local leaders once relied on for updates and guidance. For residents already facing health care disparities, the loss of information and support has added another layer of risk.

Immigration enforcement has also created deep anxiety for many families in the Reverend’s community. Parents are being detained without warning, leaving children fearful and, in some cases, staying with relatives because they worry ICE could show up at their homes and target their families. Rev. Udo-Okon sees the effects every day, especially in the stress and instability many children are now living with.

Rep. Torres invited Rev. Udo-Okon to the President’s speech to bring attention to what he is seeing on the ground in the Bronx as a result of the White House’s assault on working people. Rev. Udo-Okon has recently spoken publicly about the desperation he is seeing, with hundreds more people turning to his pantry for help and families struggling to keep up with basic needs.