Free Pop-Up Food Pantry Returns To Crocheron Park On Monday

BAYSIDE, QUEENS — A pop up food pantry is returning to Crocheron Park on Monday.

The free food giveaway, organized by Friends of Crocheron & John Golden Park and the city's emergency food distribution program, will be held next to the park at 215th Place and 33rd Road on Aug. 30 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. — or until food runs out.

Friends' effort to help distribute food, which began with an inaugural pantry pop-up on Aug. 25, come as millions of New Yorkers struggle to put food on their tables amid the pandemic, which exacerbated the city's hunger crisis according to reports.

Pantry staples, like rice and canned tomatoes, were distributed at the group's first pop-up, but this time around Friends' will be handing out fresh fruits and vegetables, including everything from melons to celery, organizers said.

There are no requirements to participate in the giveaway, other than showing up with a bag, box, or cart to take goods home.

All of the fruits and vegetables will be given away for free, without any donation or repayment needed.

Friends is also encouraging volunteers to come to the giveaway, in order to help set up and learn more about the group's efforts. Organizers will be at the pop-up from 8 a.m. onwards.

The group — which has been looking to expand its community impact as of late — describes the giveaway as "another way for our volunteers to help our park community," in a written statement.

Questions can be directed to friendsofcrocheron@gmail.com or Jessica at (646) 504-3457.