Flatbush Food Pantry Tackles Food Insecurity in Immigrant Communities
In Flatbush, Brooklyn, the Food Justice Pantry operated by the Caribbean Equality Project is helping low-income and undocumented immigrants struggling with food insecurity.
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, since 2020, the pantry has provided essential groceries to thousands, addressing needs in a community where many residents fall through the holes of official support systems.
“The rising food prices will continue to impact our most marginalized people—our immigrant population, our LGBTQ population, our undocumented population, and our housing insecure population,” emphasized Mohamed Q. Amin, Founder during his speech this last Saturday.
As food prices continue to climb and immigration policies tighten, more immigrant families are turning to food pantries for assistance.
According to Professor Nevin Cohen, Director CUNY Urban Food Policy, many immigrants face significant challenges as some are ineligible for federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which typically provide nutritional support for vulnerable populations.
This gap in the social safety net has become more pronounced in recent months, with the pantry reporting an increase in senior citizens seeking food assistance.
To meet the demand, the Caribbean Equality Project is partnering with local organizations, including the New York Community for Change, Flatbush Mixtape, and The Campaign Against Hunger. Together, these groups work to ensure the pantry remains stocked with nutritious food options every month, creating a community-based response to food insecurity that serves those most at risk of hunger. This collaborative effort represents a grassroots approach to food justice, providing immediate relief while highlighting the systemic challenges faced by immigrant communities.
Laïny is from Guadeloupe in the French Caribbean, covers immigration in New York City with a focus on its intersection with LGBTQIA+ rights.
