Bronx food pantry needs refrigerator, freezer and AC

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) -- A Bronx food pantry that feeds more than 500 families daily needs a refrigerator, freezer and air conditioner.

Organizers of the Open Hand Association food pantry reached out to PIX11 for help. The nonprofit has struggled to keep its produce, milk and meat fresh during the hot summer months.

Organizers estimate they are losing hundreds of dollars of fresh food each day. Fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat and milk are being destroyed.

The pantry has large fans but no air conditioning. The volunteers need to stay cool to keep doing their good work. 

PIX11 News first met the volunteers at the Open Hand Association back in February of 2023. At the time, organizers needed their delivery van repaired. After PIX11's story, a Bronx mechanic fixed the van, and a local car dealership donated a new one.

Then in January, the pantry was running out of food and feared it would have to shut down. After another PIX11 story, the Ford Foundation, Circle of Generosity and U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres stepped in and saved the day.