Langone opens food pantry

The Family Health Centers at NYU Langone has debuted a new grocery store-like food pantry, called “The Table,” in Sunset Park. This comprehensive program provides a new nutritional resource by offering a diverse variety of food to local residents at no cost.

“We were surprised to learn from our screening survey that one in three families in our community ran out of food at some point in the past year,” said Kathy Hopkins, vice president of Community-Based Programs–Family Health Centers at NYU Langone. “Addressing and documenting food insecurity and other social determinants of health within the context of the clinical care environment has the potential to improve patient and population health, as well as decrease healthcare costs.”

“We have a pretty great agreement with United Way of New York City through the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program – that’s how we get our fresh produce,” Katie Barth, Community Health Education and Outreach Program Coordinator at the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone, explained. “It’s pretty great that we can have at least four or five different options for vegetables and two or three different fresh fruits available, as well as fresh eggs. Everybody leaves with a nice, fresh selection for their home.”

A couple who lives in Sunset Park was one of the many families to stop by. They have a baby boy at home and emphasized the importance of having access to fresh foods in a place that provides a full shopping experience.

“I’m very grateful because they are products that you really need,” the mother said, according to an on-site translator who assisted us during an interview. “Sometimes there isn’t enough money to buy cucumbers and plantains; now this is a way to get some healthy food.”

“The Table” also features a demo space for interactive cooking lessons, which incorporate items available in the pantry that day. Families can take home the ‘meal of the week’ recipe that’s distributed by the health center so that the meals can be prepared at home. Borough President Eric Adams recently used the space on May 10 when he visited the health center. He participated in a cooking demonstration and made brown rice and beans with sautéed broccoli and peppers. Adams is supportive of nutritional education programs like this and follows a plant-based diet himself.

The pantry, which launched on April 5, has already reached more than 200 households (primarily in Sunset Park) and has served about one thousand clients, who include adults, seniors and children, as of mid-May. It is located within the Family Support Center at 6025 6^th Ave., and open every Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. Appointments must be made – visit in-person or call 718-630-7942 for more information.

Top photo by DeGregorio