NYC Food Pantries See Unprecedented Surge in Demand, Up 82% Since 2019

New York City’s food pantries are experiencing record-breaking demand, with visits surging by more than 80% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to a recent report from City Harvest, a local hunger relief organization.

On September 3, City Harvest released data revealing that average monthly visits to food pantries and soup kitchens across NYC have increased by 82% since 2019. This surge translates to 1 million more visits each month than before the pandemic, marking the highest level of need the city has ever seen.

The demand for food assistance now exceeds even the peak levels observed during the height of the pandemic in 2020-2021.

Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest, attributes the rising food insecurity to the city’s high cost of living, particularly the costs of food, child care, and housing. “These expenses make it increasingly difficult for New Yorkers to afford the fresh, nutritious food their families need,” Stephens said. “It is crucial that we all come together to provide free, high-quality food to the millions of New Yorkers facing food insecurity.”

To address this growing need, City Harvest plans to rescue over 81 million pounds of nutritious food that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it for free to soup kitchens and food pantries throughout the city.

This fall, City Harvest is launching a new initiative called City Harvest Produce Pals, a school-based food distribution program that will provide free fresh fruits and vegetables to students and their families at select NYC schools. The program will debut at schools like Democracy Prep in Harlem and P.S. 177 in Brooklyn, with plans for expansion to more schools in the future.

September marks Hunger Action Month, and local organizations are stepping up their efforts to combat food insecurity. For instance, the restaurant Inday will donate $1 to City Harvest for every Karma Bowl sold at its Williamsburg location. Additionally, Lasting Change, a nonprofit-led app, will feature City Harvest as a highlighted charity.

“This Hunger Action Month—and throughout the year—we encourage New Yorkers to support our mission,” Stephens said. “Together, we can rescue and deliver good food for free to our neighbors in need.”

The City Council has reported that New York City’s poverty rate is nearly double the national average, with 23% of NYC residents living in poverty in 2022 compared to the national rate of 12%. As of April 2024, the city had 511 emergency food providers, including 428 food pantries and 79 soup kitchens, though some locations operate as both.

For more information on food distribution sites in New York City, visit 311 online or cityharvest.org.