Food Pantry Hours: WED 9-11AM

Park Avenue Synagogue runs a food pantry founded in 1987, with weekly grocery packages distributed to local families in need. The program has been coo…

Marc Mills (718) 707-4383 6/29/2026 10:00:00 AM 9/4/2026 10:00:00 AM

New York Common Pantry's East Harlem site offers two distinct food programs. The Client Choice Pantry provides supplemental grocery packages in five categories (protein, dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables) scaled to household size; registration with photo ID for adults, ID for children, and proof of address is required, and packages are distributed every two weeks. The Hot Meals/Brown Bags To Go Program provides ready-to-eat meals seven days a week — Hot Meals are offered as dine-in or take-away on weekdays, while Brown Bag Meals (a sandwich, snack, and beverage) are take-away only on weekends and holidays. Everyone is welcome for meal service with no photo ID required. Emergency grocery bags, case management, and pet food (when available) may also be provided.

The Friday Soup Kitchen has served hot, nourishing lunches to hungry neighbors for over 45 years. The program is entirely volunteer-run and privately funded, receiving no government money. Meals are prepared and distributed by a dedicated community of volunteers who greet every guest with dignity and respect. Food donations come from local businesses including Eli's, Butterfield, Levain Bakery, and Trader Joe's. Guests line up outside the 80th Street entrance of All Souls Church. All are welcome regardless of circumstances, and no identification or registration is required.

The Lexington Academy (PS/MS 72) is a New York City public school in East Harlem that hosts a Free Summer Meals feeding site operated by the NYC Department of Education Office of Food and Nutrition Services. Through the USDA Summer Food Service Program, the site provides free, ready-to-eat breakfast and lunch to children and teens 18 and younger during the summer, including halal meal options. The school building is also home to the Children's Aid East Harlem Center, which runs after-school programs, sports, creative arts, homework help, deaf and hard of hearing services, and the Go!Healthy nutrition initiative.

An NYC Public Schools Summer Meals site at Central Park East II School, run by the New York City Department of Education Office of Food and Nutrition Services. Free breakfast and lunch are served to all children and teens 18 and younger. No identification, registration, income, or residency proof is required. The program welcomes neighborhood youth, not just students enrolled at the school, and meals are distributed first come, first served while supplies last.

A free summer meal site operated by NYC Public Schools that serves free breakfast and lunch to children and teens 18 years old and younger. No registration, proof of income, or identification is required, and adults do not need to accompany children to pick up meals.