A pizzeria owner in New York City is making sure no one in his neighborhood has to go hungry. 

Daniel Romano, owner of D’Romano’s Pizza in the Bronx, started offering free slices after he saw a woman searching through the restaurant’s trash for food. Romano brought her inside, gave her a fresh slice, and told her she never needed to be embarrassed to ask for help.

The experience inspired him to put a handwritten sign on the window inviting anyone who’s hungry to come in for a free slice of pizza and water. The message has resonated far beyond the Bronx, with people from across the country calling to donate and help cover the cost of meals for those in need.

Romano says his late mother used to always tell him, "A desperate person will always make a better decision on a full stomach than on an empty one."

What began with one act of compassion has grown into a community effort, with Romano hoping to remind people that everyone deserves not only a hot meal, but also dignity and kindness.