Our Hunger Programs

BedStuy Campaign Against Hunger (BSCAH) operates one of NYC’s largest emergency food programs. Five days a week, New Yorkers in need visit our SuperPantry in search of free food and support services. We are unique in comparison to your average food pantry because food is selected based on client choice and is run similar to a supermarket. Our clients are allowed to select fresh fruits, vegetables and various food items according to their preference instead of receiving a pre-packaged pantry bag. Each month, more than 9,000 of our neediest neighbors receive enough food for nine (9) nutritious meals from our SuperPantry. In 2009 we distributed meals to feed more than 90,000 individuals.

In 2008, we launched Bed Stuy’s first community focused urban garden. While inner city communities are not known for greenspace, through the help of volunteers and community members we converted a vacant lot into our productive Victory Garden yielding more than 1200lbs of produce in its first season.

At BSCAH, Dignity Rolls Down Every Aisle.

- Dr. Melony Samuels

shopping in the superpantry

Pantry Hours of Operation

  • Monday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Our Education Programs

BSCAH is committed to nutrition education for all served by our program. Our Eat Well and Live Well program is focused on increasing the nutrition quality of the meals distributed through our program. The program allows clients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and other dietary/health restrictions to come in once a week to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, in order to help them maintain a healthy and balanced diet. In addition these clients may also participate in nutrition education classes where they learn to plan meals, prepare food, manage their diet and practice food safety.

  • a volunteer sows seeds in the garden
  • local teens tend garden vegetables
  • fresh produce from the garden
  • produce in the superpantry

Earlier this year, we developed a new leadership and greening program for youth called Green Teens. The focus of the program is to expose young adults to urban gardening while providing training in community focused leadership. Green Teens manage our Victory Garden, introducing out younger clients to its produce, engaging our seniors in planting and daily care and directing each harvest at our neediest neighbors

On a weekly basis, our clients experience a cooking class where fresh produce is donated from a nearby farmers market. Volunteer instructors and nutritionists teach participants how to create healthy meals for themselves and their families. Participants leave the class with enough produce to practice the recipes at home. These classes are hugely popular with families with younger children, with children often outnumbering adults in each class.

Our Social Services

To accomplish our mission to empower families through information and support, we offer the following social services:

  • Referrals to employment training
  • Summer Camp for low income families
  • Computer Training for adults and seniors
  • Financial Workshops for families
  • Dental, Health and Vision Checkups by BSCAH Health Partners
  • Food Stamp Screenings
  • Fitness Classes
  • Enrollment for Publicly Supported Health Insurance

Social Services Schedule

  • Clothing Distribution: Monday – Friday
  • Affordable Health Insurance: Weekly, Tuesday and Thursdays
  • HIV Screenings: Second Thursday of every month
  • Food Stamps: Weekly, Tuesday and Thursdays
  • Diabetics Testing: Every Wednesday
  • Résumé Writing Workshop: Fourth Monday of every month

Planning to Visit Us?

DON’T FORGET: In order to receive food from our SuperPantry or Victory Garden, you must bring ID for all persons for whom the food is intended. We accept the following types of documentation*:

*Please note that we do not accept Social Security Cards

ID for all adults (over 18) in the household

  • Drivers License or NYC ID
  • Medicaid / Benefit Cards
  • Passport of Legal Residency Card
  • Work or Student ID
  • Disability or Veteran’s ID

Proof of address for all adults (over 18) in the household

  • Current bill or official piece of mail
  • Public Assistance Budget
  • Referral from Social Services

Documentation for each child (under 18) in the household

  • Health Insurance Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Immunization Card