{"id":24304,"date":"2025-10-31T17:19:05","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T17:19:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/24304\/"},"modified":"2025-10-31T17:19:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T17:19:05","slug":"list-free-food-and-meals-in-nyc-and-newark-new-jersey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/24304\/","title":{"rendered":"LIST: Free food and meals in NYC and Newark, New Jersey"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the first time in the 60-year history of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits will be delayed beginning Nov. 1. More than 42 million people relied on SNAP benefits January through August during fiscal year 2025, according to the U.S Department of Agriculture.<\/a><\/p>\n

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday that the city is adding $15 million in emergency funding<\/a> to the Community Food Connection Program to help the roughly 1.8 million NYC residents who will be losing SNAP benefits as a result of a government shutdown. This came after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul committed $30 million in state funds earlier this week to cover about 16 million meals at food pantries.<\/p>\n

New York City schools are also scrambling to help families<\/a> who will be losing federal food stamps, which could set off a cascade of other challenges for students.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday that the state will be expediting $42.5 million in grants to support local food banks across the state in anticipation of the Trump administration\u2019s failure to fund SNAP.<\/a> The loss of the food safety net benefits will affect more than 800,000 people in New Jersey, almost half of whom are children, according to a statement from Murphy\u2019s office.<\/a><\/p>\n

Below is a list of food pantries and other places offering free food and meals to students and families in New York City and Newark, New Jersey. Each location also has a phone number listed if you would like to contact them about donations or volunteering.<\/p>\n

Where to get free food in NYC<\/p>\n

Ascension Outreach, Inc.<\/p>\n

12 W. 11th St.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10011<\/p>\n

212-254-8620<\/p>\n

Open the first and third Saturdays of the month 8:30 a.m.-9 a.m.<\/p>\n

The first time you come there will be a registration process to sign up to receive food.<\/p>\n

African Services Committee<\/p>\n

429 W. 127th St.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10027<\/p>\n

212-222-3882<\/p>\n

Monday\u2013Thursday <\/p>\n

10 a.m\u20134 p.m. <\/p>\n

All first-time visitors must have a referral from a social services agency, community center, or church.<\/p>\n

Another Choice Youth and Family Outreach, Inc<\/p>\n

1765 Madison Ave.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10029<\/p>\n

212-369-6643<\/p>\n

Fridays<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u201311 a.m.<\/p>\n

Antioch Outreach Ministries<\/p>\n

41 W. 124th St.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10027<\/p>\n

917-974-8261<\/p>\n

Saturdays<\/p>\n

7:30 a.m.\u201311 a.m.<\/p>\n

Lines can be long so it is recommended that people show up as early as they can.<\/p>\n

Beth Hark Christian Counseling Center<\/p>\n

26 E. 120th St.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10035<\/p>\n

212-860-6765<\/p>\n

The food pantry program is operated using a cellphone app called Plentiful. In the app, people can check for service times, reserve their spot in line, and receive updates. For information on how to download the app to your cellphone, email info@plentifulapp.com<\/a> or visit their website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stacey\u2019s Pantry at Bethany Lutheran Church\/St. Jacobus<\/p>\n

4808 91st Place<\/p>\n

Elmhurst, NY 11373<\/p>\n

917-533-1679<\/p>\n

Saturdays<\/p>\n

8 a.m.\u201310 a.m.<\/p>\n

Broadway Community<\/p>\n

601 W. 114th St.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10025<\/p>\n

212-864-6100 ext. 120<\/p>\n

Thursdays (by appointment only)<\/p>\n

2 p.m.\u20134 p.m.<\/p>\n

The food pantry operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit their website for instructions on how to schedule an appointment<\/a>, which is required to receive food.<\/p>\n

Catholic Charities – Central Harlem – Kennedy Center<\/p>\n

34 W. 134th St., 1st Floor<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10037<\/p>\n

212-862-4601<\/p>\n

Wednesdays<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u20131 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturdays<\/p>\n

10 a.m.-noon<\/p>\n

Community League of the Heights<\/p>\n

508 W.159th St.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10032<\/p>\n

212-795-4779<\/p>\n

Registration to receive food from the pantry takes place on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. People must provide a valid New York state picture ID and proof of address. Registration is done in-person at 511 West 157th St. <\/p>\n

Crossroads Community Services<\/p>\n

325 Park Ave. <\/p>\n

New York, NY 10022 <\/p>\n

212-378-0229<\/p>\n

Food pantry<\/p>\n

Thursdays (by appointment)<\/p>\n

9:30 a.m.\u201312:45 p.m.<\/p>\n

To make an appointment, please call 212-378-0234 or email Crossroads Community Services at pantry@crossroadsnyc.org. They are also on the Plentiful app.<\/a> People should bring current identification and proof of address for all household members on the first day.<\/p>\n

To-go meals<\/p>\n

Meals are served at 108 E. 51st St. between Park and Lexington Avenues on a carry-out basis. <\/p>\n

Breakfast<\/p>\n

Sunday, Monday, Wednesday<\/p>\n

7:45 a.m.\u20138:45 a.m.<\/p>\n

Brunch<\/p>\n

Saturdays<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u201311 a.m.<\/p>\n

Dinner<\/p>\n

Daily<\/p>\n

5:30 p.m.\u20136:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Cabrini Immigrant Services<\/p>\n

630 Isham St. <\/p>\n

New York, NY 10034<\/p>\n

212-791-4590<\/p>\n

Saturdays<\/p>\n

7 a.m.\u20139 a.m.<\/p>\n

People are registered as members on their first visit. Registration happens during pantry hours. <\/p>\n

Chambers Memorial Baptist Church<\/p>\n

219 E. 123rd St.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10035<\/p>\n

347-600-9820<\/p>\n

Wednesdays<\/p>\n

10 a.m.<\/p>\n

Registration for the food pantry is from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. People need to bring valid identification.<\/p>\n

Christ and St. Stephen\u2019s Church\/Brown Bag Program<\/p>\n

120 W. 69th St.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10023<\/p>\n

212-787-2755 ext. 5<\/p>\n

Monday\u2013Friday<\/p>\n

9:30 a.m.\u201310:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

The grab-and-go lunch program requires no documentation. <\/p>\n

Fraternite Notre Dame Food Pantry<\/p>\n

2290 First Ave.<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10035<\/p>\n

212-876-5855<\/p>\n

Fridays<\/p>\n

2 p.m.\u20134 p.m.<\/p>\n

A referral is not required.<\/p>\n

Community Impact at Columbia University\/Ford Hall Food Pantry<\/p>\n

616 W. 114th St. (between Broadway and Riverside Drive)<\/p>\n

New York, NY 10025<\/p>\n

212-854-6310<\/p>\n

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday<\/p>\n

11 a.m.\u20132 p.m.<\/p>\n

The food pantry is closed on major holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year\u2019s.<\/p>\n

BOOM! Health<\/p>\n

Monday-Friday<\/p>\n

Various locations and times can be found here <\/a><\/p>\n

718-295-5605<\/p>\n

\u200b\u200bTo learn more or enroll in a program, call their central office at the phone number listed above or email them at info@boomhealth.org.<\/p>\n

Bronx Bethany Community Corporation<\/p>\n

964 E. 227th St.<\/p>\n

Bronx, NY 10466<\/p>\n

718-231-5276<\/p>\n

Wednesdays<\/p>\n

9 a.m.\u201311 a.m.<\/p>\n

Thursdays<\/p>\n

3 p.m.\u20136 p.m.<\/p>\n

Everyone is allowed two visits per month. They will be closed the following dates in 2025: November 26, 27, December 24, 25, and 31. This organization also uses the Plentiful app for updates.<\/p>\n

BronxWorks\/Carolyn McLaughlin Community Center<\/p>\n

1130 Grand Concourse<\/p>\n

Bronx, NY 10456<\/p>\n

646-596-1316<\/p>\n

Saturdays<\/p>\n

9 a.m.\u20133 p.m.<\/p>\n

Appointments are given in 20-minute intervals and only 180 appointments are given weekly. To schedule an appointment, people can call the phone number listed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday. Distribution is subject to change.<\/p>\n

BronxWorks\/Twin Parks West<\/p>\n

355 E. 183rd St.<\/p>\n

Bronx, NY 10458<\/p>\n

347-862-9538<\/p>\n

Every second and fourth Thursday<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u20134 p.m.<\/p>\n

Anyone interested in using the pantry must call the listed phone number and speak to assistant program director Dominique Jackson to schedule an appointment. While appointments are preferred, they do accept walk-ins. Distribution takes place inside the Twin Parks West Community Center, which is located behind 365 Ford St.<\/p>\n

Trinity Commons\/Trinity Church<\/p>\n

89 Broadway <\/p>\n

New York, NY 10006<\/p>\n

917-594-6300<\/p>\n

Grab-and-go meals are served in front of the church on the following days and times.<\/p>\n

Breakfast<\/p>\n

Monday\u2013Friday<\/p>\n

9 a.m.\u201310 a.m.<\/p>\n

Lunch<\/p>\n

Daily<\/p>\n

Noon\u20131 p.m.<\/p>\n

Dinner<\/p>\n

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday<\/p>\n

4:30 p.m.\u20135:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Groceries<\/p>\n

Trinity Commons (enter at 109 Greenwich St.)<\/p>\n

Tuesdays<\/p>\n

9 a.m.\u201311:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

Thursdays<\/p>\n

9:30 a.m.\u20131:30 p.m. <\/p>\n

People can schedule their grocery visit using the\u202fPlentiful app.\u202fWalk-ins are welcome while supplies last. <\/p>\n

Can\u2019t find what you need on this list? Visit the Food Pantries Food Connect Map<\/a>, the Food Bank for NYC\u2019s map<\/a>, the city\u2019s Food Help map<\/a> or this list of food pantries and community kitchens<\/a> to find free food and meals near you in New York City and the surrounding areas.<\/p>\n

Where to get free food in Newark, New Jersey<\/p>\n

Salvation Army\/Ironbound<\/p>\n

11 Providence St.<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07105<\/p>\n

973-344-2698<\/p>\n

Food pantry<\/p>\n

Tuesday and Thursday<\/p>\n

9 a.m.\u20132 p.m.<\/p>\n

Office hours\/emergency food assistance<\/p>\n

Monday and Wednesday<\/p>\n

9 a.m.\u20132 p.m.<\/p>\n

MEND Network Food Pantries<\/p>\n

Please call these food pantries in advance to ensure the location is open.<\/p>\n

The Apostles\u2019 House<\/p>\n

24 Grant St.<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07104<\/p>\n

973-482-0625<\/p>\n

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u20133 p.m.<\/p>\n

Blessed Sacrament Church<\/p>\n

19 Van Ness Place<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07108<\/p>\n

973-824-6549<\/p>\n

Every third and fourth Wednesday<\/p>\n

11 a.m.\u20131 p.m.<\/p>\n

Every third and fourth Saturday<\/p>\n

8 a.m.\u201310 a.m.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth Ave. Presbyterian Church <\/p>\n

761 Elizabeth Ave. <\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07112<\/p>\n

973-923-5655<\/p>\n

Every second and fourth Thursday<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u2013noon<\/p>\n

First Hopewell Baptist Church<\/p>\n

525 Orange St.<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07107<\/p>\n

973-485-1165<\/p>\n

Every second, third, and fourth Wednesday<\/p>\n

8 a.m.\u201311:30 a.m.<\/p>\n

Please register for the food pantry by 11:20 a.m.<\/p>\n

Franciscan Charities\u2019 soup kitchen<\/p>\n

242 South 8th St.<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07103<\/p>\n

908-403-6252<\/p>\n

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday<\/p>\n

11:30 a.m.\u20131 p.m.<\/p>\n

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newark<\/p>\n

298 South Orange Ave. <\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07103<\/p>\n

973-624-3330 ext. 103<\/p>\n

Wednesday<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u201312:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Pierre Toussaint food pantry\/St. Mary\u2019s Church<\/p>\n

528 Dr. MLK Jr Blvd.<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07102<\/p>\n

973-792-5790<\/p>\n

Saturdays<\/p>\n

9 a.m.\u201311 a.m.<\/p>\n

Roseville Presbyterian Church<\/p>\n

36 Roseville Ave.<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07107<\/p>\n

973-483-3361<\/p>\n

Every second Monday<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u2013noon<\/p>\n

St. James Social Service Corp food pantry<\/p>\n

604 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07102<\/p>\n

973-624-4007<\/p>\n

Monday\u2013Friday<\/p>\n

1 p.m.-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Urban League of Essex County<\/p>\n

513 Central Ave. <\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07107<\/p>\n

973-624-9535<\/p>\n

Thursday<\/p>\n

Noon\u20132 p.m.<\/p>\n

Mobile markets giving away fresh produce <\/p>\n

West Side High School<\/p>\n

403 S Orange Ave. <\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07103<\/p>\n

November 14 and December 22<\/p>\n

4 p.m.\u20136 p.m. or until supplies last<\/p>\n

Essentially Yours From the Heart at The Urban League<\/p>\n

513 Central Ave. <\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07107<\/p>\n

November 22 and December 20<\/p>\n

11 a.m.\u20131 p.m. or until supplies last<\/p>\n

Essex Pantry\/New Community Corp. Family Comfort<\/p>\n

220 Bruce St.<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07103<\/p>\n

973-623-6114<\/p>\n

Food pantry distribution<\/p>\n

Monday\u2013Friday<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u2013 2 p.m., or until supplies last<\/p>\n

The food pantry requires a valid New Jersey ID and\/or proof of residency, proof of income, and a birth certificate for each child younger than 18 years old.<\/p>\n

Community food distribution<\/p>\n

Every first Tuesday<\/p>\n

10 a.m.\u2013 2 p.m., or until supplies last<\/p>\n

For the community food distribution, recipients just need to sign for the items received. To participate in all food distributions, people should bring their own bags or carts.<\/p>\n

Grace Church food ministry<\/p>\n

950 Broad St.<\/p>\n

Newark, NJ 07102<\/p>\n

973-623-1733<\/p>\n

Saturdays<\/p>\n

11 a.m.\u20131 p.m.<\/p>\n

Food is distributed through the Broad Street doors.<\/p>\n

Can\u2019t find what you need on this list? Find more food pantries and resources in this spreadsheet from the MEND network<\/a>, this search tool from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey<\/a>, or on NJ 211\u2019s food assistance resources page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Susan Gonzalez is Chalkbeat\u2019s editor for social media and platforms. If you know of any food resources or news tips that might be helpful to students and families in New York City or Newark, send her an email at sgonzalez@chalkbeat.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"For the first time in the 60-year history of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits will be delayed…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24305,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[15667,15668,6602,15670,3342,15671,9417,9,56,63,65,64,15672,287,13043,15669],"class_list":{"0":"post-24304","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-york-city","8":"tag-badger-postal-service","9":"tag-believe-memphis-academy","10":"tag-charter-schools","11":"tag-covid","12":"tag-delivery","13":"tag-meal-delivery","14":"tag-memphis","15":"tag-new-york","16":"tag-ny","17":"tag-nyc","18":"tag-nyc-headlines","19":"tag-nyc-news","20":"tag-supply-delivery","21":"tag-tennessee","22":"tag-tn","23":"tag-virtual-learning"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24304"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24304\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}