Nourishing Neighbors Food Drive

The Beach 91st Street Community Garden is organizing a Thanksgiving food drive to support families and individuals in need. Food insecurity affects many and often it goes unseen. During the upcoming holiday season, it’s more important than ever to come together and help our neighbors. And with this, the members of the garden hope to build solidarity and care within Rockaway.

A wide range of donations will be accepted, including non-perishable food, (canned and boxed, etc.) baby food, prenatal vitamins, senior vitamins, essential toiletries, women’s care products, diapers, and pet food. These items will help cover basic needs for individuals and families, so everyone can have a more comfortable and joyful holiday season.

Monetary gifts are also accepted through Venmo – @beach91communitgarden. 100% of these funds will go to purchasing food. Additionally, gift cards from our local eateries and businesses are welcome.

The drop-off location is across from the Beach 91st Street Community Garden at 125 Beach 91st Street, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693.  You’ll find a labeled donation bin on the porch. All contributions will be delivered to the St. Rose of Lima Food Pantry, offering essential support to our neighbors just in time for Thanksgiving.

Here are the facts about food insecurity in Queens:*

• Over 250,000 residents of Queens experience food insecurity, struggling to consistently afford nutritious meals.
• Immigrant communities in Queens are particularly impacted, as many families are ineligible for federal aid like SNAP, even though they face significant economic hardship.

• Eastern Queens has some of the city’s most severe food deserts, where access to fresh, affordable groceries is limited, forcing residents to rely on convenience stores and fast food.

• Children are disproportionately affected: Nearly 1 in 4 children in Queens face hunger, often relying on school meal programs for their primary source of nutrition.

• Senior citizens in Queens are highly vulnerable, with many living on fixed incomes and experiencing food insecurity due to rising living costs.

• High housing costs in Queens mean many families are forced to make tough choices between paying rent and buying food.

• Community food pantries and soup kitchens have seen a dramatic increase in demand, with organizations like the Food Bank For NYC and local churches providing critical relief to thousands of households.

• Grassroots efforts: Community gardens and mutual aid groups in Queens have become crucial in addressing food insecurity, distributing fresh produce and groceries to neighbors in need.

Please consider contributing to the Beach 91st Street Community Garden’s Nourishing Neighbors Food Drive. Your support will make a meaningful difference for people in our neighborhood struggling to make ends meet. For updates and more information, follow the Beach 91st Street Community Garden’s IG page – @beach91communitygarden.

*Source: NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA), Feeding America, Queens Together, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).