Welcome to the Table: Hour Community Food Pantry

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense impact on Hour Community Food Pantry. On average, Hour Pantry served 450 visitors weekly from a diverse population. When the coronavirus pandemic began, we saw that number increase to a high of approximately 800 per week. We still see new faces at each of the three weekly distribution days, as the pandemic continues to have a devastating economic impact on the families and individuals in the community and beyond.

Yukiyo Nagato, a volunteer, shared her thoughts, “I have seen the number of people who come to the food pantry escalate this year. I sincerely hope that one day food pantries are no longer needed. Until that time, hunger is a serious issue for New Yorkers in need.” 

Hour Community Food Pantry offers pre-assembled grocery bags filled with nutritious foods. We offer fresh fruits & vegetables during the growing season from Miller’s Crossing and Brooklyn Grange. We also provide whole grains, beans, juice, & milk. At times we have diapers, formula, backpacks, school supplies, and holiday gifts. We are thankful for the donations from City Harvest and Food Bank, who have supplied a large amount of non-perishable food items. In addition, Hour Children received the billionth pound of donated food from City Harvest. As of August 2021, Hour Children partnered with the recently opened Trader Joe’s located in Long Island City. Trader Joe’s donates fish, meats, vegetables, canned food, desserts, baked goods, snacks, and fresh flowers three times a week.

Hour pantry hosts the local Long Island City CSA during the growing season, allowing local farmers to deliver fresh produce directly to their urban customers. We distributed over 100 turkeys and assorted sides for families to enjoy on Thanksgiving Day donated by the LIC CSA.

Monique and her daughter, Lisiane, are frequent participants who offer their culinary expertise, sharing French food with pantry staff. Lisiane is grateful to Hour staff for providing them with food this holiday season and beyond.

Hour Children believes that keeping Hour program participants safe during this national health crisis is crucial. Representatives from the Floating Hospital regularly provide important vaccine information and distribute hand sanitizer and face masks. Literature is distributed in Spanish as well. Empire Connections has Covid-19 testing available on a regular basis.

Kellie, Crystal, and Camille comprise Hour Food Pantry and Outreach Team. They work with a dedicated group of up to 20 volunteers on a weekly basis to help ensure that the three weekly distributions run smoothly, serving approximately 150 participants each day.

Hour sincerest thanks to Hour dedicated volunteers from New York Cares, The American Red Cross, St. John’s University, Lemon Tree, UNIS, and Astoria Community Church. In addition, Hour amazing partner Extra Butter, a local sneaker retailer, provided volunteers to distribute back-to-school supplies and food. We could not serve anyone without all of these dedicated and hardworking volunteers preparing for each distribution day.