Riverdale Food Pantries and Fridges Expand Support as SNAP Cuts Deepen Need

More than a week after millions of Americans saw their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits reduced amid the government shutdown, many have turned to food pantries and community fridges to fill the gap. 

Despite efforts by the Trump administration to block states from covering the shortfall with their own funds, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Nov. 9 that New York would deposit money directly into residents’ EBT accounts. 

The first deposits have already gone out, though the governor has not shared a full timeline. Still, for many, relief won’t come until their benefits are restored. 

In the greater Riverdale area, resources — for both those in need and those eager to help — are in full swing across the community.

Receive:

Christ Church Riverdale, CCR

5040 Henry Hudson Parkway East

The CCR pantry distributes canned and boxed non-perishables on-site on Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.   

Riverdale Neighborhood House, RNH

5521 Mosholu Ave.

The Riverdale Neighborhood House hosts a free vegetable giveaway every Tuesday. Registration is not required – just stop by the RNH lawn from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

On Thursdays, from 1 to 6 p.m., the RNH Farmstand sells fresh produce from the nonprofit’s garden.  Health bucks will also be distributed, which can be used to purchase goods at the stand.

For those who already received their SNAP benefits, RNH accepts both SNAP and health bucks at its Farmstand on Thursdays from 1 to 6 p.m.

The Friendly Fridge BX

4670 Manhattan College Parkway

The Friendly Fridge BX functions as a community fridge on Mondays, Wednesday and weekends. It also receives redirected prepared meals nearly every day, with most arriving on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday after 2 p.m.

Additionally, volunteers distribute fresh produce from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. Bread is distributed on Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. On Fridays, they give out prepared meals from 1 to 5 p.m.

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, KHCC

3101 Kingsbridge Terrace 

KHCC’s food pantry is open to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Food items include pasta, cereals, canned food such as fruits, vegetables, soups and beans, as well as various meats and fresh produce. Contact khcconnect@khcc-nyc.org for food and non-food needs. 

Part of the Solution, POTS

2759 Webster Ave

POTS holds a daily soup kitchen from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., as well as a food pantry Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. 

Give: 

Christ Church Riverdale, CCR

5040 Henry Hudson Parkway East

The CCR food pantry accepts canned and boxed goods on Sundays and Mondays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  For those who need assistance bringing items to the church or would like to make a monetary donation, email foodpantry@christchurchriverdale.org.

The contributions allow CCR to purchase non-perishables for the pantry in bulk, as well as fund food cards that recipients can use to buy fresh items at local stores.

Riverdale Neighborhood House, RNH

5521 Mosholu Ave.

Join RNH to prepare meals for the Neighborhood Fridge, xxx on Community Cook Day, held every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. This volunteer opportunity is open to those ages 15 and up and does not require any prior experience.  

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, KHCC

3101 Kingsbridge Terrace 

To donate non-perishable food items, contact development@khcc-nyc.org, or visit KHCC’s website to make a monetary contribution.

Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz’s Office 

3107 Kingsbridge Avenue

Dinowitz is collecting canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, dried beans, pasta, rice, tuna, coffee, teas, canned juices, powdered milk, Jell-O and soups. No glass jars are acceptable except for baby food. 

Donations can be dropped off at the office and will be donated to Kingsbridge Heights Community Center and St. Frances of Rome for families in need during the holiday season. 

Part of the Solution, POTS

2759 Webster Ave

POTS accepts monetary and food donations. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Checks should be made out to POTS to 2450 Grand Concourse, 2nd Floor. Donate online at potsbronx.org. 

The Friendly Fridge BX

4670 Manhattan College Pkwy

To donate goods, give a financial gift, or volunteer with the Friendly Fridge BX, contact Selma Raven at thefriendlyfridgebx@gmail.com.

The organization accepts both perishable items and non-perishable items, as well as prepared meals that are homemade or store-bought. Label with the date and ingredients whenever possible.

Avoid donating expired or spoiled food, opened or partially used items, alcohol, highly processed junk food and items requiring strict temperature control, like raw meat or seafood.