Pop-Up Pantry Helps Keep Astoria Fed During Coronavirus Pandemic

ASTORIA, QUEENS — A pop-up food pantry is distributing non-perishable and fresh foods to Astoria residents in need during the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

Started six weeks ago by Astoria resident Macaela Sears, who distributes items like cereal and pasta from the trunk of her car, the initiative has already given away well over $1,000 worth of food, according to social media posts.

"I love Queens, and I believe that if you're going to make someplace your home, you have to show up for it," Sears wrote in an Instagram post. "I love this neighborhood, and I will keep fighting to keep it fed."

The pop-up pantry is next open from 9 a.m. to noon Friday at Ditmars Boulevard and 21st Street.

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As of today, we have given away more than $1,300 worth of food to our Astoria neighbors! The outpouring of love from the community has been overwhelming and humbling. This started as a small idea when the initial shutdowns were announced and because of YOUR generosity, we’ve had 4 weeks of providing assistance in these unprecedented times. In order to move forward, we will start collecting more donations! If you can donate, please do so on Venmo via @MacaelaSears All funds are kept entirely separate and used ONLY for purchase of food. Each food item is individually sanitized and individually packaged. We are using masks, protective gloves, sanitizer, and disinfected surfaces! The safer and healthier WE are, the longer we get to do this! If you donate, please comment with on your payment with your Instagram handle so we can shout you out! It’s good for all of our hearts to see how many folks are doing good. Thank you, Astoria! We’ll see you out there! . . . #astoriafoodpantry #donationsneeded #astoria #queens #coronavirus #covid19 #foodpantry #nochildhungry #nohumanhungry #accesstofoodisabasicright #lookforthehelpers #neighbortoneighbor #astoriaqueens @weheartastoria @30thavebusiness
A post shared by Macaela (@astoriafoodpantry) on Apr 10, 2020 at 2:27pm PDT