Inflation Hits Home For Families Relying On Bronx Food Pantry
On Saturday mornings, a line gathers in the back of Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center in the Bronx. Everyone has a shopping cart and each one is empty to start.
Inside, employees from BronxWorks are hard at work preparing for the 200 families they expect to come by throughout the day.
Theyâre running a food pantry and for these families, it is vital.
What You Need To Know
- The Food Price Index rose 8.8% from March 2021 to March 2022
- BronxWorks food pantry can only be open twice a month because of funding
- It serves 200 families with food that should last them a week
- Recipients of food pantry supplies say grocery shopping is harder because of inflation
One man in line told NY1 he was starving.
Lilibeth Herrera said without the pantry, she would be hungry, âas usual.â
She gets food for herself, her brother and her grandmother.
âItâs just helping me and my family survive at this time,â she said.
BronxWorks organizers said the need for food pantries is skyrocketing, especially since the food price index rose nearly 9% from March 2021 to March 2022.
It means money is simply not going as far at the grocery store.
âItâs a struggle,â Herrera said.
Itâs also been difficult for BronxWorks to keep the operation going as often as its leaders want.
Rising inflation means itâs more expensive to buy food for the pantry. This weekâs order cost around $5,000.
He said thereâs only so much they can do.
Herrera, whoâs in between jobs, said they ration their food.
Salvation Army Port Richmond Corps
Food Pantry
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What Is A Soup Kitchen
A soup kitchen is a place where you can sit down and have a free hot meal. It is run by compassionate volunteers that cook and feed the homeless and anyone hungry. Soup kitchens are visited by men, women, as well as families.
The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and no one is made to feel uncomfortable or judged. The biggest meals are Thanksgiving and, of course, Christmas. These meals are often open to the entire community, and everything is done with volunteers help.
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How To Get More Free Food
You usually can only get help once a month. This is why it is important to be aware of the food pantries and the food banks in your community. If possible, get groceries from other locations during the month. Remember you will not receive the amount of food you would get when doing your own shopping. Some of the items you receive you may not like, or your kids may not eat. Do the best you can.
For more locations, go to Feeding American.
How Different Is A Food Pantry From A Food Bank
A food bank is a non-profit that safely stores millions of pounds of food that will soon be delivered to local food programs, like a food pantry.
The food they store is donated from local neighbors, retailers, grocery stores, and restaurants.
To get the food into the hands of the community, food banks hire drivers to make the deliveries. Every food bank serves a specific area that varies in size.
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You May Qualify For Snap
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits help you pay for food. You can use SNAP at grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers markets.
Anyone can apply for SNAP benefits.
You may be eligible even if you have a job, receive SSI or disability benefits, own a home, or own a car.
If you are eligible and approved for benefits, you will receive SNAP benefits within 30 days.
Additionally, certain households with little income or savings, or with high housing costs, can receive SNAP benefits within five days .
For details about SNAP eligibility and how to apply in the Bronx, see our post on Bronx, NY Food Stamps Guide.
Nearby Gardeners Want To Help
We know how difficult it is to meet the increasing needs of people in your community. Gardeners in your area can help! They often grow more fruit, vegetables, herbs and nuts than they can use, and are happy to share some with your food pantry. AmpleHarvest.org is a free nationwide registry that enables growers with excess food donations to easily find food pantries, food banks and other hunger organizations in their area.
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How Do I Qualify To Get Free Food
Policies may vary from place to place. You may need a referral from a screening agency. This assures only those who financially qualify for help receive it. You may also require a photo ID and proof of address as agencies tend to help those in the pantry area or zip code. Find your borough and contact the agency below to get free groceries.
Free Groceries for Low Income Families Where to Get Free Food
Add Your Pantry Today
Today, 8,658 food pantries across all 50 states have already registered, with more signing up every day. These organizations are receiving millions of pounds of fresh produce, nationwide, all donated by those who grew enough to share. Dont miss out on all these donations of locally-grown fresh food.
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Catholic Charities And Bronx Terminal Market
Catholic Charities and Bronx Terminal Market are co-sponsoring a monthly food distribution event at 656 River Ave. in The Bronx on the following dates :
- Friday, July 31, 2020
- Bartow Mall Pedestrian Plaza, 2047 Bartow Avenue
- 177 Dreiser Loop
- 120 Erskine Place
Morris Innovative Senior Center
Morris Innovative Older Adult Center
80 E 181st St
Please note changes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic:
Pantry distribution is done Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Appointments are given in 15-minute intervals. Only 20 appointments are given daily.
Seniors and community members must call 718.933.5300 for an appointment for pantry pick-up. Once you are outside to pick up, call 718.933.5300 to let staff know you have arrived.
Distribution method is subject to change.
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Supportive Housing And Mental Health
POTS provides mental health support and practical life care for currently and formerly homeless individuals diagnosed with mental health or cognitive challenges. These services include placement in supportive housing and stabilizing resources such as general mental health counseling and workshops focused on ensuring safe housing and financial security. Call and leave a voicemail message with your name and phone number.
Please Provide The Following Information About Your Discrimination Claim
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
U.S. Department of Agriculture: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights1400 Independence Avenue, SW
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Free Food Pantries And Groceries In Bronx
A number of food pantries serve residents in the Bronx. Low income families, seniors, and others who are struggling from the community can turn to these centers for assistance. Some of what may be offered includes groceries, canned goods, hot meals, and perishable food items. Many of the pantries are located at local churches, community centers, or other non-profit organizations in the Bronx.
The locations will have limited hours and generally only serve people who live in the immediate area. It is recommend to call in advance. In addition, most of the Bronx New York food banks also have an application process and/or restrictions in place as to who can get help. For example, many locations focus on senior citizens or maybe families with children. Pantries will often require proof of address and identification.
If you need help with feeding your family, the leading pantries to contact are below. Look into the resources they offer, including canned goods, free Christmas or Thanksgiving meals, vegetables, baby formula, or meals. If a pantry can’t meet your needs they can often refer people to other organizations in the Bronx or help people apply for government assistance.
Andrew Jackson Tenants AssociationPhone number is 401-1324. The center is only open on Tuesday and Thursday.
Deeper Life
What Is The Difference Between A Food Pantry Food Bank Or Soup Kitchen
- Community organizations and local churches sponsor feeding programs for the community. They are not associated with a government agency. Its mission is to feed and meet other needs of residents with additional referrals to clothing and laundry services, which they do not provide.
- A food pantry may also offer hot meals at designated times. A food bank is the storage place for tons of food, toiletries, and other products and distributes this food to smaller locations that give out canned foods, fresh meat, and vegetables when available. They get donations from organizations, individuals, churches, and charities.
- A Soup kitchen is a place to get a hot meal. You come in, get in line, and friendly volunteers will serve you. Soup kitchens are usually run by a church or community organization.
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Free Food Pantries Soup Kitchens And Groceries In New York City
Residents of New York City can receive free food, groceries, and meals from emergency pantries as well as soup kitchens. Centers are located in all the boroughs, including Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, with many open daily. Some examples of the assistance that can be provided include free emergency food or grocery boxes, perishable items, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and more.
The pantries and soup kitchens near you listed below are across the region, including in the Bronx and Staten Island. Each and every free food bank or pantry will do their best to help all that need support, with priority for seniors and children in New York City. Many also offer free Meals on Wheels delivery forthe elderly, disabled and homebound.
While the focus is on meeting nutritional needs, some of the pantries, churches as well as charities will offer other means of support. For example, many run special seasonal Thanksgiving, Easter or Christmas assistance programs, and can provide free holiday meals or gifts. Some New York City centers offer senior programs, such as home delivered and congregate meals.
Other support can include free baby formula, summer meals, and help in applying for programs such as SNAP food stamps or free personal hygiene as well as cleaning supplies. There is also groceries and free hot meals for newcomers to the city, including immigrants and refugees.
Groceries From Our Food Pantry
- 8:30AM-11:00AM Monday-Saturday
POTS pantry services will provide you with healthy groceries to help ensure you have enough food for your household. Each household may obtain groceries from the pantry once a month. To register, please call and leave a voicemail message with your name and phone number.
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Bronxworks Food Pantry Helps Communities With Food Insecurity
All her children and grandchildren have lived and grown up in the Bronx. Maria, who lives with and cares for her 11-year-old granddaughter, says the food pantry is a blessing. With the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria sees food insecurity in her community rising and longer lines with fewer goods available in stores. Thats when I realized food banks and pantries really stepped up, she said. People worried where they would get their food, especially if you have children. Maria looks forward every week to making an appointment at the BronxWorks Food Pantry because the items she gets are nourishing and help supplement the food she has for herself and her family.
Help With Eviction Prevention And Other Issues At Pots Legal Clinic
Speak with an attorney or legal advocate if you are behind on your rent or otherwise in danger of eviction, or for help accessing public benefits. POTS can also offer brief advice and referrals on other legal issues. Call , ext. 101 and leave a message or send an email to .
ERAP is currently closed for most tenants in NYC, but any tenant who has a pending ERAP application should be notified by OTDA when the application is decided. Any tenant who is denied for assistance or not approved for the full amount requested may seek an appeal within 30 days of the decision by OTDA. Need more information? Call OTDA Mon Sat. 8 AM 7 PM at 844-NY1-RENT
Housing court is currently open but is limiting in person operations to those cases in which someone is not able to access the court through phone or video connections. All tenants may seek a free lawyer by calling 718-557-1379 or by visiting www.nycourts.gov/evictions/nyc/.
The NYS Emergency Rental Assistance Program has reopened to eligible tenants. Tenants may apply at . While there is no guarantee that a grant will be provided, applying for ERAP provides eviction protection to tenants while an application is pending. Any tenant who is denied for assistance or not approved for the full amount requested may seek an appeal within 30 days of the decision by OTDA. Need more information? Call OTDA Mon Sat. 8 AM 7 PM at 844-NY1-RENT
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Find The Help You Need Where You Need It
Search the map to find a soup kitchen, food pantry, senior center, or SNAP enrollment site near you. Find a free tax assistance site here. If youre an individual looking to donate a small amount of food, the charities below will be happy to accept your donations. If youre a food industry donor or have a large amount of food to give, learn more here.
How Much Food Can My Family Get From A Food Pantry
You can usually get one bag of groceries for each family member. Some locals may occasionally have meat, poultry, and fresh fruit and vegetables. If available, you may also be able to get soap detergent, bathing soap, deodorant, toilet paper, and other toiletries. Ask about Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to see if you are eligible for a turkey and all the fixings.
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First Presbyterian Church Of Brooklyn
Food PantryBrooklyn, NY 11201718-624-3770Note: The programs normal food pantry is closed, but the program and community members are maintaining a social solidarity food pantry, where individuals can feel free to leave and take food as they need, while maintaining proper social distancing guidelines
Harlem Dowling Food Pantry Assistant
Assist with the distribution of food during pantry hours. Ensures that food packages contain all the necessary food groups.
Summary: Responsible for food/beverage distribution from the pantry, pantry product inventory and offerings, and other related duties.
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How To Get Emergency Snap
You may be eligible for expedited SNAP if you meet one of the following:
- Your household has $100 or less in liquid resources and less than $150 in gross monthly income.
- You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker household with $100 or less in liquid resources and you have not received any income since you applied for SNAP, or
- Your households monthly income and liquid resources together are less than the total of your monthly rent or mortgage and heating costs and utilities .