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FOOD ACCESS

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OUR APPROACH

Food Access is implemented through our:

  • ONSITE PROGRAM

  • MOBILE PANTRY

  • HOMEBOUND INDEPENDENT SERVICES

  • HUB & SPOKE PROGRAM

RIVER FUND is one of the largest providers of emergency food in New York City. Serving over 40 zip codes, RIVER FUND distributes more than 1 millionpounds of groceries and needed essentials, per month, to over 35,000 unduplicated households yearly.

2.2 million struggle with hunger...

more than 1 in 5 New Yorkers live on the lines of poverty.

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FOOD IS A STABILIZER

The first touch in addressing the many needs of those living on the lines of poverty is food insecurity.

RIVER FUND provides families, individuals and seniors weekly access to a complete range of groceries, in sufficient volume and balance, to prepare nutritious meals for a full week.

RIVER FUND implements a Client Choice Pantry model where clients are actively engaged in making their selections of healthy and balanced groceries and staples.

Providing weekly fresh produce, dairy, and protein is paramount to our clients' well-being.

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FOOD ACCESS PROGRAMS

people on site at river fund

ONSITE PANTRY

RIVER FUND implements two Food Distribution Programs. Wednesday is largely dedicated to seniors and those living with disabilities. Saturday, our most robust food distribution, includes serving families, individuals, and seniors.

The main pantry in Richmond Hill is the biggest component of RIVER FUND’s total distribution of food every month. RIVER FUND is committed to ensuring that more than a third of all the food it provides to the community will be in the form of fresh produce.

the line for pantry

MOBILE PANTRY

Evolved from our “Street Relief” Program, RIVER FUND pioneered the Mobile Pantry system in 1995 with an initiative in Jamaica, Queens. Our outreach continues in communities with limited access and resources in Queens and Brooklyn.

1995: RIVER FUND pioneered the Mobile Pantry System at Rufus King Park in Jamaica, Queens. The following year we launched in Coney Island.

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HOMEBOUND INDEPENDENCE

The Homebound Independence Program was established in 2012, supporting seniors and those living with disabilities. Often isolated and with limited mobility, this program provides a modicum of security and dignity.

people gathered at river fund

HUB & SPOKE

RIVER FUND distributes over 350,000 pounds of food, per month, to food pantries, churches, and community-based organizations, furnishing them with food from its warehouses for local needs not otherwise being addressed.

FOOD ACCESS IN ACTION

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