Tres Puentes Community Health Center in Mott Haven
By 11 a.m. sharp, the line outside Tres Puentes Community Health Center in Mott Haven had already wrapped around the corner — but these Bronx residents were not waiting for a medical appointment.
Instead, they stood patiently in the bitter cold for Catholic Charities of New York’s Mobile Food Pantry, part of the Feeding Our Neighbors program. For four hours on Tuesday, February 10, the pantry provided three days to a week’s worth of nutritious food to hundreds of community members — serving over 250 neighbors in need.
Amid yet another dangerous Arctic blast this winter season, residents braved sub-freezing temperatures and punishing wind chills to receive essential groceries, including eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and other pantry staples.
“I think it’s really good, especially for me,” said Andre, a Bronx resident attending a Catholic Charities food distribution for the first time, as he held a bag filled with nourishing foods.
For Andre, rising costs made the visit necessary. “It’s really, really tough,” he said.
Throughout the morning, the line rarely disappeared. The need was unmistakable — but so was the sense of hope. As neighbors departed with full bags, heading toward the nearby 138 St subway station or M125 bus stop, many left with smiles despite the frigid weather.
Catholic Charities staff and volunteers greeted each person warmly. Familiar faces were welcomed back, while new visitors were met with kindness and conversation, reinforcing the program’s commitment to meeting people where they are.
The distribution served as a powerful reminder of both the growing need during the winter months and Catholic Charities’ enduring presence in the community.
St. Joan of Arc in Soundview
Just three days later on Friday, February 20, Catholic Charities returned to the Bronx with a pop-up food pantry distribution event — this time at St. Joan of Arc in Soundview neighborhood.
The scene was vibrant and welcoming. Tables overflowed with fresh produce and staples, including oranges, apples, lemons, potatoes, greens, milk, rice, canned goods, and more. The even provided nutritious groceries to more than 400 neighbors in need.
Excited chatter filled the air as the line moved swiftly, bag after bag being filled to ensure families had access to healthy food that Friday.
In addition to groceries, residents had the opportunity to connect with People Care, a New York-based licensed home care services agency. Representatives shared information about their services while distributing complimentary bags and educational materials.
Though temperatures remained unforgiving, attendance once again underscored the critical importance of Mobile Food Pantries across Bronx communities.
Meeting the Growing Need through Mobile Food Pantries
As the cost of living continues to rise and winter conditions place added strain on families across New York, Catholic Charities’ Mobile Food Pantries have become an increasingly vital lifeline for neighbors facing food insecurity. By removing barriers to access, the Mobile Food Pantry program provides immediate relief to our most vulnerable neighbors.
Through these neighborhood-based distributions, Catholic Charities provides immediate, tangible relief — offering fresh produce, pantry staples, and essential groceries that help households stretch limited budgets and maintain stability. Many Mobile Food Pantry locations also offer on-site services, including benefits enrollment assistance, helping individuals connect with longer-term supports such as SNAP and other critical resources.
This integrated approach ensures that neighbors receive not only food for today, but guidance toward greater stability tomorrow.
As food costs continue to rise, bringing fresh produce and everyday essentials directly into the community makes a meaningful difference. By meeting people where they are, our Feeding Our Neighbors program’s Pop-up and Mobile Food Pantry distributions continue strengthening our neighborhoods and ensuring reliable access to nutritious food for those facing uncertainty.
Find our Mobile Food Pantry schedule here: https://catholiccharitiesny.org/mobile-pantries/
