Holding Hands Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit founded in 2008 on the streets of Coney Island by Joel Matos and his family. Through partnerships with City Harvest and the Food Bank of New York, the organization operates a weekly food pantry providing groceries to community members in need. Beyond food assistance, they offer support with shelter, spiritual development, employment, moral enrichment, and transitional services. The ministry is committed to compassionately serving the community through acts of service and referrals.

Parish-hosted food pantry operated by Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens that provides free groceries to individuals and families in need in Bay Ridge.

This food pantry requires pre-registration. Once registered, clients receive an appointment for food pickup. The pantry contacts clients the day before their appointment to confirm and provide a specific pickup time. This system is in place to prevent long waiting times.

NYC Department of Education Free Summer Meals program site hosted at J.H.S. 259 William McKinley Middle School in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. The site serves free, ready-to-eat breakfast and lunch each weekday to children and teens 18 and younger throughout summer break. Meals follow NYC school food nutrition standards and include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and protein. No identification, proof of income, or registration is required to receive meals, and the program is open to all community youth during operating hours.

This parish-run pantry provides groceries to individuals and families in need. It serves residents living between 7th Avenue and 86th Street, from 86th Street down to the water. Clients are not required to be Catholic to receive services.

Halal Food Connections is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that uses food as a catalyst for community connection, providing culturally responsive, faith-centric halal groceries including fresh produce, halal meat, and dairy. Most distributions also include hot halal meals, and the program pairs groceries with nutrition education such as cooking classes, workshops, and personalized counseling. Through resource referrals, staff help connect clients with housing, healthcare providers who respect halal practices, employment opportunities, and other social services so families can move toward whole-person well-being.

Outdoor, farmers’ market‑style distribution operated by City Harvest at its Food Rescue Center in Sunset Park, providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to local residents. City Harvest often offers on‑site nutrition education cooking demonstrations and resources from community partners.

• There is a waiting list, so please call in advance! 718-630-7186
• Must have an appoinment before going in to pick up food.
• Must go through a counseling session.
• Currently have limited food supply