Free Food in NYC: How Community Fridges Fight Hunger in 2026

Thousands of New Yorkers Are Losing Food Benefits — Community Fridges Can Help

More than one in three adult New Yorkers — 36% — cannot afford their weekly food costs. For families with children, that number jumps to 42%. In early June 2026, New York City Mayor Mamdani announced that his office helped more than 223,000 people keep their SNAP benefits (food stamps) despite new federal work requirements for able-bodied adults. But another 40,000 people are still expected to lose those benefits by the end of June. If you or someone you know is at risk, the city has set up a hotline: 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669).

Community fridges — also called "friendly fridges" — are one way neighbors are stepping in to help. A community fridge is a publicly accessible refrigerator maintained by volunteers. Anyone can take food or leave food, at any time, with no ID, no paperwork, and no questions asked. The motto is simple: "Take what you need, leave what you can." These fridges are stocked by neighbors, local restaurants, and grocery stores that donate surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away. For immigrants who may fear showing ID or proving eligibility for government programs, community fridges offer a safe, anonymous option.

In New York City, you can find community fridges across all five boroughs. The website Fridge Finder has an up-to-date map showing active fridges, their locations, and recent stocking conditions. The organization One Love Community Fridge has placed over two dozen fridges mainly in Brooklyn. Another map is available through CWA 1180, though some fridges on that list may need maintenance. Before visiting, check the fridge's social media page if it has one — many do — to see if it is currently stocked.

What to Do

• If you are losing SNAP benefits, call the city hotline right away: 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669) to get instructions on how to protect your food assistance.
• Find a community fridge near you using the Fridge Finder map at fridgefinder.org — it shows active fridges and their current condition across NYC.
• If you want to donate food, only bring items that are safe to eat, properly stored, and not expired. Divide food into individual portions when possible, and label prepared meals with ingredients and the date they were made.
• If you want to start a community fridge in your neighborhood, contact Fridge Finder — they may be able to match you with a donated fridge or help you build a shelter to protect it.