When the System Fails, Community Feeds Us

For as long as food disparity has existed, so has the tradition of neighbors feeding each other.

In 1969, the Black Panther Party launched its Free Food Program in Oakland, CA. It was an early model of mutual aid rooted in dignity and action. It stood as a reminder that community care has always been more sustainable than rugged individualism.

Then came 1981, when Reagan’s Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act slashed over $30 billion from federal programs, including aid for families with dependent children. Food banks, once rare, became essential. When government support collapsed, the people came together, shared resources and took care of each other.

Now, over 40 million Americans are at risk of losing access to SNAP benefits in November due to the looming government shutdown. While politicians argue on camera, our neighbors, including pregnant people, kids, elders, and the disabled, face the real consequences of political inaction. 

Rethinking How We Give Back

Small gestures, like overtipping a delivery worker or asking your local cashier if you can pay it forward for someone else’s groceries, can mean everything to someone in need. And as food fridges and distribution programs brace for an overwhelming surge in demand, time will be just as valuable as money. Volunteering a few hours could help keep these lifelines running.

Below is a list of food banks, fridges, and mutual aid efforts across NYC where you can donate, share, drop off supplies, or lend a hand.

Brooklyn

In Our Hearts 

Brooklyn-based, national food program seeking volunteers for everything from restocking fridges to helping pass food out to creating flyers for social media. 

One Love Community Fridge

Bedstuy-based community organization with food fridges throughout Brooklyn and parts of Queens, and Manhattan. Open for donations and volunteers.

Bronx

Port Chester Friendly Fridge

A community fridge founded in Port Chester with additional locations in Brooklyn, Long Island, the Bronx, Manhattan, Westchester County, and Connecticut.

Choice Pantry

A Bronx-based pantry offering supplemental food packages to those who qualify. See their website for more information or to volunteer.

Manhattan

Hell’s Kitchen Community Cupboard

Manhattan-based pantry open 24/7 to anyone who needs it or anyone who has extra to give. 

We Do It Too

Community fridge located on 8th Avenue in Harlem. Pick up or drop off food and learn more about their fridge and other community programs on their website. 

Queens

Ravenswood Community Fridge

Astoria-based community fridge offering everything from oat milk to ground beef. 

Astoria Food Pantry

This network of community fridges at four locations, including one offering halal and vegetarian options outside of the 23rd Ave masjid.

Staten Island

Forest Ave Fridge

Offering pantry and refrigerator items, this community fridge is available to anyone who needs food and anyone who can give food.