Nourishing the health of our community and planet, one meal at a time
What is the power of beauty?
“Welcome, we are here for you. The Refettorio is pure light, a gesture of hospitality. In a place surrounded by beauty, one can rebuild, transform and learn from each other. Everything becomes possible. Through beauty, we can change the world.
Massimo Bottura, Founder Food for Soul
WHO WE SERVE
Free Food Harlem’s outreach serves anyone in need of food assistance and social connection. Our Refettorio program services support individuals experiencing social vulnerabilities, including poverty, isolation, homelessness and marginalization. This includes Harlemites, Aslyum seekers, Refugees and individuals transitioning through local supportive services. Our aim is to offer basic necessities with high touch trauma informed care and the unconditional respect, compassion and love we all deserve.
MISSION
Refettorio Harlem serves to be a place of connection, inclusion and activism, opening its doors to serve our vulnerable neighbors, steward a healthier more just food system and celebrate the cultural heritage and diversity around us. Through out the week our team rescues otherwise imperfect food from waste, transforming surplus ingredients into nourishing meals served with dignity to our food insecure and social isolated community. Our programs help alleviate hunger relief while connecting guests to supportive services and opportunities that improve wellbeing and livelihood. Each month we host a education, training and cultural programs open to the public that create awareness around our cause and raise support for our mission. We look forward to welcoming you.
Our Programs
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We provide food assistance in the form of Refettorio Fresh - a dignified food pantry service offering choice selection of fresh produce and curated ingredients; a multi-course meal served with hospitality at the table; and prepared take away meals alongside street outreach.
All of our food assistance activities are aimed at improving food access, nutrition and long term food stability.
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At the heart of Refettorio model is a strong food recovery program aimed at diverting food from landfill and waste. We partner with organizations across the supply chain to recover imperfect, unwanted surplus foods, bringing them into our Food Programs to help tackle hunger and food instability.
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Through community partnerships, we provide a variety of drop in supportive services to offer our guests essentials that provide physical and mental health benefit. Some of our supportive services include hygiene, health and dental support, mental health consultation, financial, digital and electronic support.
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We host educational programs, private and public, throughout the year that bring arts and music education, and supportive counseling covering a variety of social and economic needs, such as financial services, recovery and workforce placement.
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To meet the growing needs of Refettorio Harlem’s food assistance programs, Free Food Harlem offers a culinary training program for Exodus Housing Works, a housing program for transitional people looking to find a new start. Clients of Exodus gain valuable skills and opportunities for certification in culinary arts along with the experience of working alongside resident and guest chefs experienced in the culinary arts.
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At the heart of a strong resilient community is shared culture. Harlem is a place of diversity and beauty that shows itself through many artistic forms and expressions. We open our doors to host activities that bring people closer together, learn from one another in celebration of Harlem’s traditions and in ways that empowers justice, wellbeing and livelihood for Harlemites.
OUR IMPACT
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FOOD RESCUE
69,491.30 pounds
Economic Value of $163,008.38 Food Saved
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MEALS IN OUTREACH
27,390 meals distributed
Take-away, street Outreach, CBO partnerships
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REFETTORIO FRESH
4,548 fresh food pantry
Spring to date Each pantry @ 4 pounds fruit, 8 pounds vegetable.
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GUESTS SERVED
3,300 guests with 6000+ meals (October 2023)
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers help us ensure our programs and services meet the needs of the community. Whether you love food, are dedicated to sustainability or simply want to give back, we welcome you to join us.
GIVE TODAY
Your contribution goes directly to ensuring that no food or person is left behind, allowing us not only to serve meals but provide consistency, community and collaboration in our greatest time of need.
GET INVOLVED
Help Refettorio Harlem build a culture in which no individual or food is left. Give ingredients, supplies, or support by fundraising, sponsorship and brand collaboration.
We’ve always looked for a way in which we can bring immediate value to someone’s journey through life. Food is a connector. We do not just offer a free meal but create community around the table. The result is a place in which everyone involved benefits, volunteers, staff and clients, feeling an immense sense of belonging and purpose. Everyone comes away with more.
Bob Wilms and Rachael Hemsi, Free Food Harlem
FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY!
Check out our Instagram @refettorioharlem for the latest updates and highlights from previous guest chefs!
