In the pre-dawn chill of an Upper Manhattan morning, lines begin forming outside neighborhood churches long before the doors open. Parents with children, seniors with shopping carts, and workers between shifts all wait — not for worship, but for food. As the New York Times recently reported, nearly 600 food pantries operate across New York City, and about 90 percent are connected to houses of worship. They have become sanctuaries not just for the spirit, but for survival.
Among the organizations working to meet this urgent need is the Cabrini Immigrant Services of New York City Food Pantry at the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the city’s most active faith-based pantries. In partnership with the Cabrini Mission Foundation, the pantry provides a consistent source of nutritious food and compassionate connection to the community. Each month, an average of 1,014 households — representing more than 5,000 individuals — receive food packages containing roughly 23 meals’ worth of groceries, including fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins.
About 45 percent of every package consists of fresh produce, a reflection of the pantry’s commitment not only to fight hunger but to nourish health and dignity. For many, this food is the difference between skipping meals and feeding their families.
Recognizing that some cannot make it to the pantry in person, Cabrini Immigrant Services has expanded its outreach through Project Dash, in collaboration with DoorDash, and the Meals on Heels home delivery program. Together, these initiatives deliver food to an average of 29 clients per week across Inwood and Washington Heights — seniors, people with disabilities, and families juggling multiple jobs.
In the face of SNAP cuts and rising food costs, the Cabrini Immigrant Services pantry has committed to extending their hours by an hour each week through the end of 2025 to meet growing community needs. On Saturday, November 8th, the pantry served a record number of clients, reaching over 500 families in just three hours. They will also ensure their clients are able to celebrate the holidays with full tables by remaining open through Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Cabrini Mission Foundation is proud to support the Cabrini Immigrant Services Food Pantry — not only as a response to crisis, but as a commitment to community. In times of uncertainty, when programs like SNAP face instability and food insecurity continues to rise, our partnership ensures that hope remains on the table.
Because at Cabrini, feeding the body is as vital as nourishing the soul.
