New York schools provide free food to everyone: how to get food

The program of distribution of free meals to all comers, which the New York City Department of Education began last year due to the pandemic, will continue this summer. Gothamist.

Since 2017, New York City public schools have provided free breakfasts and lunches for all students. With the outbreak of a pandemic in the city in the spring of 2020, the Department of Education switched to a student-friendly model and began distributing take-out food to schoolchildren. In April 2020, the Department of Education decided to expand the program: everyone could take food, regardless of whether they have anything to do with the school or not.

Food shortages remain a pressing problem in New York City, only exacerbated by the pandemic. Food Conservation Organization City Harvest reported that at the height of the pandemic, more than 1,5 million New Yorkers were food insecure, while the New York Food Bank reported about 63 kg of food being distributed to public pantries and kitchens across the whole city from April 502 to March 931, which is 2020% more than a year earlier. To date, the Department of Education has distributed over 2021 million units of take-away food since the pandemic began.

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As part of the summer program, food is distributed at approximately 400 community points in five boroughs. You can find the one closest to you here to register:.

Community points distribute takeaway food Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 13:00 pm, people can get food for multiple meals.

Vegetarian options are available at all locations, and some have kosher and halal options. Distribution points also have take-out food sets, baked ravioli, burgers, burritos, buttermilk biscuits, buttermilk pancakes, chicken, fish cakes, french fries, garlic toast, grilled cheese, Jamaican beef patties, macaroni and cheese. , mozzarella sticks, scrambled eggs, pizza, stuffed baskets, turkey and waffles.

“This summer, every New Yorker should have access to healthy, nutritious food - no matter who or where he lives,” said Meisha Porter, director of a city school. “Our courageous food service staff continue to visit their neighbors, and I am proud that our schools are involved and partners in the fight against hunger.”

To find food outlets, visit program site, call 311 or text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877.