Emergency food organizations, also known as food pantries and soup kitchens, attempt to address the lack of geographical and financial access to food in East Harlem. Many of these organizations are faith-based and volunteer-run. They tend to operate varying days and times, so while not completely reliable, many residents also depend on these organizations’ services. Some, notably the New York Common Food Pantry, have extended their operation hours beyond the workday to provide a more consistent supply of food for its patrons.
Hot meals: Breakfast is served Monday-Friday in the downstairs cafeteria from 8-9:30am. Dinner is served Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the downstairs cafeteria from 4:30-6pm.
Brown bag: For those who do not have a residence to cook, New York Common Pantry offers Brown Bag meals through our Help 365 program. Brown bag meals containing a sandwich, a snack, and a drink and are available at the Help 365 window on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 7:00PM to 8:00 PM. 8 East 109th Street, New York, NY, 10029