EAG's Actors Pantry, the only food bank specific to the performing arts community, is a vital part of the sustenance services we offer to our professional actor, singer, and dancer clients. This program started in 2014 in response to an increasing number of the clients of our Emergency Aid & Relief Program reporting a lack of food for themselves and their families. Since that time, we have been able to stave off hunger and food insecurity for NYC's performers, especially seniors, people with disabilities, and those with children at home. The Actors Pantry is located on-site at our office in NYC and is available to all clients of our Emergency Aid & Relief Program, offering them a much-needed opportunity to "shop" for nutritious, high-quality, non-perishable food items, paper products, toiletries, and feminine hygiene products. Because we value their privacy, we make this service available by appointment only. Clients may take as much as they need of whichever staples in our inventory most appeal to them and they are welcome to use the Actors Pantry for as long as their need persists. Once a month, clients may request one $25 grocery store gift card so they can supplement the shelf-stable items we regularly have on hand with fresh foods, culturally appropriate foods, and foods that meet specific dietary needs. Clients who are homebound may request one $100 grocery delivery placed through Instacart once a month.
We are currently operating on a hybrid remote/in-person schedule. Please call us in advance to arrange a day/time to drop off a donation.
** Please note - we are located at East 29th Street and not East 30th Street as indicated by the pin on the map
ProducePedia
ProducePedia is a free resource that covers the types of fresh produce that can be delivered to food pantries. Each entry includes information on color, taste, and possible uses. People unfamiliar with the vegetable or fruit will learn how to use it, and those who are familiar with it still might learn a fun fact or two!
The Cooperative Extension sites have a wealth of information for any backyard gardener. Once you go to the site (each one if very different from the others) look for a link for “homes and gardens”, “landscape”, “consumer horticulture”, etc. to find information on improving your backyard garden. Neighboring state sites may offer information your own state’s site lacks.
