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Origin

Fresh Pantries began in March 2020, when One Community brought together 30+ organizations to deliver groceries to residents unable to leave home during COVID-19.

Each weekend, 70+ volunteers delivered food to households in 4 public housing developments and nearby low-income housing. The program grew from 209 people served in late March 2020 to 1,700 by May 2020.

When emergency deliveries ended, One Community launched Fresh Pantries to provide a sustainable response to food insecurity in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

Get Your Family Groceries With Us

Fresh Pantries is open to anyone in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill who needs help putting food on the table.

Getting started is easy:

Bring any form of ID with you.
Let the staff know it’s your first time—they’ll help you complete a quick registration.

No appointment or referral needed. Everyone is welcome.

Learn how to get started ›

Volunteer With Fresh Pantries

Be part of the solution. Our volunteers are the heart of Fresh Pantries, making a real difference every week.

Find out how you can get involved and support your neighbors.

Find out how to volunteer ›

Where and When to Find Us

We make it simple to find fresh, nutritious groceries close to home. Explore our convenient locations and hours to see which pantry works best for you.

See our locations and hours ›

The Big Picture: Our Impact

Fresh Pantries is transforming food access and strengthening families in our community.

See how your support helps us serve hundreds of households each week and build a stronger future together.

Discover our impact ›

How to Get Started With Us!

Where Can I Get Free Food?

Before Your Visit

What to Bring: Please bring a form of ID for registration. ID must NOT be expired and must belong to you. Examples: Driver's License, State ID, IDNYC, Passport, or Passport Card is acceptable.
Know the Locations and Times: Click Here for That Information!
Note: There are NO zip-code restrictions! All are welcome!

During Your Visit

Register: Let the staff know it’s your first time. They’ll guide you through a quick and easy registration process.
Bring Your ID: You’ll need your ID for registration and each time you visit.
Choose Your Groceries: After registering, you’ll be able to select from a variety of fresh produce, dairy, meats, and pantry staples.
Ask Questions: Our friendly staff and volunteers are here to help if you have any questions about the process or available food options.

After Your Visit

Return Weekly: Once registered, you are welcome to come back every week for groceries. Remember to bring your ID each time.
Stay Connected: We may reach out for feedback by phone or survey. Your input helps us improve.
Invite Others: If you know someone who could benefit, encourage them to visit and register.
Update Information: Let us know if your address, household size, or other details change.
Volunteer: Interested in giving back? Ask about volunteer opportunities—community members are always welcome to join our team.
Access More Resources: Our staff can connect you with additional services and support through One Community.

The Fresh Pantries Model

Choice During Distribution

At Fresh Pantries, while packaged foods like rice, cereal, and canned goods are pre-bagged, patrons have full autonomy when it comes to selecting fresh produce, dairy, and meats.

During distribution, families can choose which fruits, vegetables, and cold goods they want or decline items they do not need.

This ensures everyone receives food they will use, respects dietary and cultural preferences, and helps prevent food waste.

Access to Refrigerated and Frozen Foods

Fresh Pantries offers a variety of refrigerated and frozen items, including milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, poultry, and fish, as well as frozen fruits and vegetables. This expanded selection supports families in preparing balanced, nutritious meals with high-quality ingredients.

Seasonal Variety and New Produce Experiences

Our pantries provide a diverse range of produce, from staples like potatoes, onions, and apples to seasonal items such as watermelon, kale, lettuce, and different varieties of squash. This variety allows families to enjoy a mix of familiar favorites and try new foods.

Many patrons are introduced to produce they haven’t used before, giving them the opportunity to try new foods and expand their diets with fresh, seasonal options.

Community Feedback Drives Improvement

Fresh Pantries regularly surveys and calls patrons to gather feedback, requests, and concerns.

This direct communication ensures that program improvements and offerings are shaped by the needs and preferences of the community, making Fresh Pantries truly responsive and community-driven.

Fresh Pantries' Goals

Food insecurity continues to affect millions nationwide—in 2023, nearly one in seven U.S. households struggled to afford enough food (USDA, 2024).

In Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Fresh Pantries is tackling this crisis head-on with a mission to provide reliable access to healthy groceries, strengthen household stability, and empower our community.

Reference: USDA Economic Research Service, 2024 Food Security Report

Goal #1: Ending Food Insecurity With Dignity and Choice

Our weekly distributions provide a generous and varied selection of foods that meet USDA nutrition standards and reflect the preferences of our diverse community. By offering stability and choice, we help families maintain dignity and control over their meals.

Fresh Pantries: INGERSOLL LOCATION

PLACE OF OPERATION

Ingersoll Community Center

ADDRESS

177 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201

DATE AND TIME

EVERY Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM

WAYS OF ACCESS

B54 (Myrtle Av/Prince St)
B and Q and R trains to DeKalb Avenue (5-7 minute walk)
A, C, F, and R trains to Jay St-MetroTech (10-12 minute walk)
Other nearby options: B57, B62

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE I GO?

Fresh Pantries: FARRAGUT LOCATION