Grassroots Grocers

These hyper-local community leaders are deeply connected to their neighbors and know their communities better than anyone else. Every week, they receive the Saturday produce deliveries and make sure the food gets to our neighbors who would otherwise remain out of reach.

  • "Every week, Grassroots Grocery delivers more than rescued produce to our community; they deliver hope. The way community members line up in anticipation of our delivery from Mott Haven Fridge Network shows how rampant food insecurity has become in our neighborhoods, but it also shows how a community can thrive even in the hardest of times. I've seen friendships form while waiting online, recipes and cooking tips be exchanged, and community members who don't speak the same language, come together to help one another load and carry their bags of produce. Mott Haven Fridge has helped our pantry reunite our community and show that they are not alone in their fight against hunger."

    Stephanie Cataquet, Assistant Director of Community Health Initiatives, and Grassroots Grocer

  • "While my food distribution efforts started out in east Harlem, eventually one person connected me to another, who got me connected to Grassroots Grocery in the Bronx. They give me food and I set it up and give it out to the community. It's always 1260 Webster Avenue at 1pm on Saturdays. Right in the neighborhood where I grew up. Over time, with consistency, it's gotten better, people started forming lines, people in the community started getting involved. I think it's beautiful. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."

    Oscar, Community Activist and Grassroots Grocer

  • "We live in a time for action and it's encouraging to see that Dan and Grassroots Grocery has answered that call. Our small pop-up pantry at Grace Gospel Chapel in Harlem humbly serve the needs of the community and we are eternally grateful for the partnership we have with Grassroots with the fresh fruits and vegetables we receive to distribute every Saturday. The Grassroots Grocery initiative should be a clarion call for all who want to do more to help our fellow New Yorkers.

    Paul, Grassroots Grocer

  • "As a resident leader (President) to NYCHA Holmes Towers. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Grassroots Grocery. For all your services, devotion, and dedication. At Holmes Towers, we are very grateful & thankful to get a weekly delivery every week. And able to share the fruits and vegetables among residents, the community, or simply anyone else in need. Thank you in providing a tremendously positive impact toward our community."

    Sandra Perez, NYCHA Holms Towers Resident Association President, and Grassroots Grocer

  • "I've lived in the Bronx just about all my life and I understand the problem that a lot of people in the community have with lack of resources. I think it's important for people from other communities to come and see what is going on and do something about the issue. I think this organization has helped people feel empowered to not just talk about the issue but to take part in something that really does not ask for a big time commitment. People should try and find an organization like Grassroots Grocery where they give their time, no matter how minimal that time may be, it does make a big difference."

    Nelson Nunez, Grassroots Grocer