Food insecurity occurs when people do not have sufficient access to affordable, or quality food due to socio-economic conditions that limit their resources. The issue of food insecurity and inequity is prevalent in all five boroughs of NYC today. According to New York City Council, over 1.09 million people are struggling to access food as the food insecurity rate in NYC compared to the nation’s rate is 12% higher. The meal gap, or missing meals due to a lack of resources impacts children and adults, including vulnerable seniors. City Harvest highlights that the hardest hit population in terms of struggles to feed themselves are those in “communities of color that have been disproportionately harmed by decades of policy inequities and systemic failures.”

Volunteers are desperately needed by several local organizations to help those in need gain access to food through food pantries, meal programs, soup kitchens, or other programs. These groups help the homeless, low-income, and asylum seekers find fresh food for their households with dignity. Some organizations that seek volunteers in our community include:

City Harvest
All five boroughs of NYC
As New York City's biggest food rescue organization, City Harvest has an extensive volunteer program for students of all ages. Those 14 years old and up can participate in the Mobile Market which provides fruits and vegetables to families in need. Repack is a program for volunteers 10 and older that takes large produce donations from wholesalers, farmers, or drives, and breaks them down for equitable distribution. Greenmarket Rescue is a seasonal opportunity for people aged 11 and up to collect food at the end of the day from farmers at Greenmarkets which goes to soup kitchens or pantries.

New York Common Pantry
9 East 109th Street
The New York Common Pantry offers several programs for volunteers including partnering groups to run food drives (Thanksgiving, holiday, or ongoing needs of canned food, pasta, rice, peanut butter, cereal) and engaging in year round sandwich making. The organization accepts volunteers for its pantries and hot meals programs as long as they are 16 years old.

Urban Outreach Center
1745 1st Avenue
The center is more than just a food pantry as it serves a Tuesday night dinner in addition to providing other important services including clothing, hygiene supplies, and showers. They have dozens of weekly opportunities and welcome school groups as well in the fight to end the hunger gap.

NYC needs you! Please head out to volunteer today!

- Milla Duca '25