Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has personally been delivering food to those in need during the crisis

Democratic Representative for New York, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has for the last few weeks dedicated 100 percent of all usual campaign fundraising to food pantries and other organizations in New York City. At the same time, her team has worked hard to distribute food to those in need as the pandemic continues. However, she's not resting easy at home. She has accompanied her team on their rounds in order to get more hands on deck. The House Democrat took to Twitter to share photos of her team's outreach, praising the volunteers for their dedication. Without a doubt, Ocasio-Cortex exemplifies what good leadership looks like.

The House Democrat posted four photos last week. They all depicted her and her team collecting bags filled with food and delivering them to folks who need a little extra help during this time. She wrote, "For the last few weeks we‘ve dedicated 100 percent of usual campaign fundraising to [New York's 14th congressional district] food pantries and [organization]. Team AOC volunteers have been doing call shifts to identify the needy and deliver food. Big thanks to Hungry Monk Rescue for helping us coordinate food pantry delivery in LeFrak City yesterday!" The Hungry Monk Rescue Truck is a homeless outreach and Community Response Vehicle (CRV) based in New York City. In collaboration with Ocasio-Cortez, the non-profit has been able to help hundreds of people in distress.

So far, the Representative has been highly commended for her dedication to her community. The American Populist Party stated in response to her outreach, "Thank you for stepping up and leading during this crisis, AOC." Twitter user Curtis Merritt added, "This is leading by example. Thanks, boss lady." However, some critics were not convinced of her advocacy. Some criticized her "posh apartment" in DC, while others simply claimed she would still be voted out during the next election. Nonetheless, Ocasio-Cortez's efforts are helping hundreds of residents in New York City overcome the struggles they face while self-isolating during the ongoing lockdown.

As of April 11, Team AOC had raised more than $100,000 which was directly donated to food pantries and other organizations in New York City. She explains on her website, "The pandemic has put in fast forward our slow-motion crises. Today, we’re raising money to address food insecurity. Let’s support our neighbors because we all depend on one another for survival." The funds Ocasio-Cortez raises are split between the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway, a food pantry in the New York City borough Bronx, and Hungry Monk Services. In addition to this, the Representative has played a critical role in raising awareness about best practices to maintain safety and hygiene.

Ocasio-Cortez's approach to leadership displays a stark difference from that of her fellow lawmakers' - even those in the same party. Perhaps the United States would be a far better place if we had more leads like Ocasio-Cortez - those who understand the problems their community is facing and do their best to fix them at an institutional level. More importantly, America needs leaders who can rise to the call for action. AOC, America needs you.