Welcoming All New Yorkers

We serve 100,000+ free meals per month through our soup kitchen, food pantry, and older adult program so no New Yorker goes hungry. No cost, no questions asked—just nutritious, culturally relevant food served with dignity year-round.

Get What You Need

Hot Meals

Enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal served from our kitchen to your dining table. Our well-balanced meals are culturally and religiously inclusive, featuring familiar flavors you know and love. Halal and vegetarian options available upon request.

Community Meal (All Ages, Families Welcome):

Monday, Wednesday & Friday:
4 PM – 6 PM

Older Adult Lunch (Ages 60+):

Monday – Friday:
12 PM – 1 PM | 1 PM – 2 PM

Bring a container if you’d like to take your meal to-go.

Photo ID with date of birth required.

Women receiving essential food items from food pantry

Free Farmers Market

Beginning January 2026: Food Bank’s Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday pantry service at the Community Kitchen will transition to a farmers market-style distribution. This will take place twice per month and you can select what produce you need, while supplies last.

Get your food faster. Register for our location and make a reservation on Plentiful.

Visit The Community Kitchen at 252 West 116th Street for our new sidewalk distribution.

2x Monthly 2nd & 4th Tuesdays:
10:00AM – 1:00PM

You are welcome to visit twice per month.

2026 Schedule
  • January: 1/13 & 1/27
  • February: 2/10 & 2/24
  • March: 3/10 & 3/24
  • April: 4/14 & 4/28
  • May: 5/12 & 5/26
  • June: 6/9 & 6/23
  • July: 7/14 & 7/28
  • August: 8/11 & 8/25
  • September: 9/8 & 9/22
  • October: 10/13 & 10/27
  • November: 11/10 & 11/24
  • December: 12/8 & 12/22

Recommended to bring a Photo ID, and a cart or bag.

Older Adult Program

Growing older doesn’t have to be lonely. Our center provides health, activity, and social connection for ages 60+, partially funded by the NYC Department for the Aging.

Join us for fitness classes, nutrition education, arts activities, and social events!

Monday–Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM

Saturdays (Jan 10, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 11, May 2, June 6):
8 AM – 4 PM

Call Us to Learn More: (212) 656-7859

Word On W 116th Street Is…

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“We keep coming back because of the amazing hospitality and delicious food! My son loves all the people here. They are like our extended family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

Shonett and her son

“It’s so incredible the way Food Bank treats us. During Ramadan, they’ll have special Halal meals. Thanks for taking extra care of us, and treating us so well!”

Sharin

“The first time I came here, I was moved to tears by the kindness shown to me. I prayed over this building and thanked God for you all. When my financial situation gets more stable, I plan to pay it forward!”

Kelly

“I really enjoy coming here for the atmosphere for older adults and the crew! But most of all, for the delicious, succulent food. It’s such a blessing, and a great help financially.”

Ms. Jocelyn

“The food here rivals the best 5-star restaurants in the city! The site is clean, crew is respectful, and Chef Sherri is the best darn cook in the New York! All hail the queen!”

A Satisfied Beneficiary

“When I first came here, I thought a new restaurant had opened! Restaurant-quality food, free of charge. The food almost makes me want to cry.”

A Visitor, New York
“When your cabinet is empty and you have nowhere to turn, having somewhere to go means everything. I’m grateful.”
A Visitor, New York

SNAP Benefits Assistance

On-site prescreening on Tuesday–Thursday, 9 AM–4:30 PM. No appointment required.
You can also get expert help to check your eligibility, apply for, recertify or maximize your SNAP benefits online or by phone.

Nutrition & Health Support

Come in for routine blood pressure checks, cancer screenings, and dental care held twice monthly.
One-on-one nutrition coaching from our Community Dietitian is available on-site by request.

Explore More Pantries

Find food pantries, soup kitchens, and SNAP enrollment programs nearest you from our nearly 800 NYC partner sites.

Stop By For a Meal — Stay For The Community

Every day, New Yorkers from all walks of life gather here—not just for food, but for connection. New Yorkers share tables, parents find a moment of relief, and strangers become neighbors. When you visit us, you are seen, respected, and you belong.

Visit Us

Community Kitchen

Address: 252 West 116th Street, New York, NY 10026
Phone: (212) 566-7855

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM

Tuesday: 8 AM – 4 PM

Not all services are available at all times—check program hours above. We’re closed on major holidays.

Two people sharing a warm hug inside a community dining room, with plates of food on the table and other guests seated in the background