In light of recent disruptions from federal shutdowns impacting programs to cuts in SNAP benefits, it’s more important than ever to know where to turn when you need food access in New York City. I’m writing to share reliable, accessible resources to help you or someone you know find meals and groceries quickly and with dignity. Please share resources with supervisors and staff.

Food Bank For New York City (FBNYC) – “Find Food” map This is the city’s largest hunger relief organization and a trusted hub for food support. They maintain a tool where you can search for nearby:

Food pantries
Soup kitchens and hot-meal services
Mobile food deliveries
SNAP enrollment and benefit assistance

Visit their “Get Help” page and use the map: Find Food Map(foodbanknyc.org)
Why it’s useful: they span all five boroughs, and you can filter by what you need.
Tip: Before you go, call ahead if contact info is listed since hours and availability can vary.

Community Fridges and Other Mutual Aid Food Access Points
If you need something immediate, informal community resources can be a lifeline:

One Love Community Fridge helps run dozens of community fridges where you can take what you need, leave what you can. (nycfoodpolicy.org)
Another tool: Fridge Finder lists many of these fridge locations citywide. (fridgefinder.app)

What to know: These are often 24/7 or long hours, drop-in friendly, and operate on mutual aid principles (no questions asked). They may be less formal than pantries, but they’re real help.

More Locator Tools and General Food Access Help

The city’s official site, Food Help NYC (via finder.nyc.gov), includes free food sites in all boroughs. (finder.nyc.gov)
The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development lists pantries by borough. (nyc.gov)

These tools are useful if you want options in your neighborhood or if you’re helping someone else navigate access.

Quick Tips for Navigating Food Access Right Now

Bring ID or proof of address when possible since some pantries ask for it, though many don’t.
Go early if you can since supplies, especially perishable items, often run out.
Use the “take what you need” mindset: you are eligibleregardless of immigration status, income level, or benefit status. (access.nyc.gov)
If SNAP benefits are changing or delayed, remember these resources are here just in case.
Consider volunteering or donating if you’re able because mutual aid networks rely on community support.

Bronx Food Resources

Manhattan Food Resources

Staten Island Food Resource

https://hungryonstatenisland.com/

Brooklyn Food Resources

Bedford Central Presbyterian Church - Food Pantry

Location: 1200 Dean Street - corner of Dean and Nostrand
Time: Second and Fourth Thursdays, from 10am-2pm

Black Veterans for Social Justice - Food Pantry

Location: 665 Willoughby Ave
Time: Wednesdays, starting at 12pm til supplies last

Clinton Hill Fort Greene Mutual Aid

Submit a request for assistance by texting or calling their hotline at 862-277-0747, or by filling out this form.
Find more info about volunteering with CHFGMA at this link.

Crown Heights Bites Back - Food Distribution

Location: Utica Ave and Eastern Parkway
Time: Tuesdays, beginning at 5pm

Crown Heights Jewish Community Council - Food Pantry

Location: 388 Schenectady Avenue
Time: Wednesdays, 1-3pm
Bring ID and proof of residence - open to those who live in Community Board District 9. Find your Community Board District at this website.

Hanson Place SDA Church

Location: 88 Hanson Place, Parking Lot
Food distribution: Thursdays, 1-5pm
Soup kitchen: Sundays and Wednesdays, 1-2pm

Medgar Evers College Transition Academy - Food Pantry

Location: 1650 Bedford Ave, outside on Crown St
Time: Serving community on the first Thursday of the month from 11am-1pm, and the last Thursday of the month from 3-5pm.

One Community Fort Greene Fresh Pantries

Ingersoll Fresh Pantry

Location: Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Time: weekly on Saturdays, 11am-1pm

Farragut Pantry

Location: Church of the Open Door, 201 Gold St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Time: Weekly on Saturdays, 10:30am-12:30pm

One Love Community Fridge

Classon Community Fridge @ 543 Grand Ave, by Dean CrossFit
The Heights Friendly Fridge @ 461 Lincoln Place
BK Fridges @ 1148 Union St

RiseBoro Food Pantry

Location: 518 Bushwick Avenue
For pantry hours and questions, call 347-493-2837. ID and proof of address required.

St. Johns Bread and Life

To register for food services, visit them at 795 Lexington AveMon-Thurs, from 9am-2pm. Bring proof of ID and proof of address - no proof of income required.

Christ World Healing Center

Messengers for Christ World Healing Center distribute food for free to anyone in need as follows.

Saturdays 12:00 PM to 3:00PM *Bring ID and Bag(s)

Messengers for Christ World Healing Center

2205 Utica Avenue (bet. Avenues N&O)

Directions:

-41 bus on Flatbush to Avenue N & walk around the corner;

-46 bus on Utica & get off at Avenue N, cross the street & you’ll see the line)

-35 bus to Church & Utica & transfer to 46 bus to Avenue N

-8 bus to Utica and transfer to 46 bus to Avenue N

Brooklyn Food Resources

https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page