Shockingly, yet also un-shockingly, 63 million tons of wasted food were generated in the United States in 2019 (epa.gov). In many cases, the food tossed into our nation’s landfills is wholesome, edible food. Working at a grocery store in the pandemic, I personally witnessed hundreds of pounds of produce being whisked off the store's floor every day– sometimes purely do a piece of produce not 'looking the prettiest.'
Our food pantries and soup kitchens can be a source for diverting waste, building community, and food sovereignty– stopping the commodification of food, and focusing on the need for it.
Food banks are an amazing resource, but during the pandemic, many are failing to meet the needs of the 1.5 million New Yorkers who cannot afford food (NYTimes)– with some lines stretching over half a mile (ABC). Although their existence is an outcome of larger issues within our systems, consider donating food or your time to a local food bank if you are able.
Photo Credit: ABC Eyewitness News
GoGetta is a service that "has New York’s most up-to-date service information on food, personal care, shelter, and clothing," and helps you find providers for exactly what you need. You can use your location and this interactive map to find services near you!
This map provided by Get Food NYC can be used to find locations that offer free food, as well as grocery stores and farmers' markets. You can enter your address to locate all the food sites near it! It is updates weekly.
New Yorkers can call "311" and ask for the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which will give you directions to the nearest food pantries and community kitchens, as well as their hours of operation.
Note: Everyone is eligible for emergency food assistance, regardless of immigration status or how much money you have.
NYC.gov provides a food resource site finder. You can also visit nyc.gov/donate for other local food resources– select 'Find' and Food/Beverage on the website, then hit 'Show Me' and enter your address. For community members who are able, this is also a great source to GIVE donations.
Food Bank For New York City "powers an extensive member network of over 800 food pantries, soup kitchens, and campus partners across the five boroughs." See their Food Bank map for assistance.
There also tons of ways to give for those than can, such as a monetary or cryptocurrency donation, donating food, fundraising, or working as a volunteer or advocate. Volunteering or donating food directly are always the best ways to help out, especially considering Food Bank for NYC's CEO reported total compensation for 2018 was $657,308.
NY Public Library has a list of some food security resources for those who are able to leave their home, as well as delivery options for those who are homebound, elderly, ill, and more.
Foodpantries.org provides a database of both food pantries AND locations of non-profit subsidized groceries. This one is a bit overwhelming!
This site provides a list of food assistance resources based on your location with links to their locations on Google Maps and the ability to "Star" your favorites by cr. This list is also printable.
Use this link to find food assistance anywhere near you by inputing your address! Can be printed.
South Brooklyn Mutual Aid is a resource that provides food and services directly, such as grocery delivery. However, are no longer receiving their emergency food grant, but check their website and Instagram or subscribe to their newsletter for updates and events!
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