Fresh Meals. Warm Community.
Come for the food. Stay for the community.
At The Broad Center, meals are more than just something to eat—they’re a reason to gather, connect, and feel at home. Through our Food & Nutrition Program, we proudly serve fresh, hot meals in a welcoming space where everyone is treated with care and respect.
Thanks to our amazing partners at Neighbors Together and St. John’s Bread & Life, we offer:
– Hot Breakfast: 9:00 AM
– Hot Lunch: 1:00 PM
Every Monday through Thursday
Whether you’re starting your day with a warm meal or joining us for a relaxing lunch, you’ll find more than food here. You’ll find friendly faces, shared conversations, and a place where you’re always welcome.
You can expect meals that are:
– Always free, always fresh
– Served in a warm, friendly setting
– A moment to relax, recharge, and connect with others
Whether you’re here for a quick bite or to spend time in good company, you’re welcome just as you are.
Food is available while supplies last—come early and come hungry.
Why This Program Matters
In New York City, over 1.2 million residents face food insecurity—including one in four children (Food Bank for New York City, 2023). The rising cost of living has forced many to make impossible choices between paying for food, rent, or other essentials.
This crisis is especially severe for communities of color. At The Broad Center, more than 85% of those we serve identify as Black, Latino, or Multiracial. These are the very communities hit hardest by systemic inequality, inflation, and underinvestment.
Figure 1: The chart represents the racial distribution of individuals served through our programs at The Broad Center, as reported in our most recent 2025 community assessment survey.
Housing insecurity adds another layer of urgency. As of 2024, more than 114,000 New Yorkers rely on the city’s shelter system, and thousands more are living without stable housing (Coalition for the Homeless, 2024). For many, cooking a meal simply isn’t an option.
That’s why we don’t just provide groceries—we serve ready-to-eat, hot meals to anyone who walks through our doors. These meals offer more than nourishment; they offer relief, consistency, and the message: you matter here.
In 2025 alone, The Broad Center served over 29,800 free meals, helping individuals and families get through their day with strength and dignity.
With continued support, we can meet the growing need, serve more communities, and help build a healthier, more equitable New York—one meal at a time.
References
Coalition for the Homeless. (2024). Basic facts about homelessness in New York City. https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/basic-facts-about-homelessness-new-york-city
Food Bank for New York City. (2023). Hunger report: Food insecurity in NYC. https://www.foodbanknyc.org/research/
Broad Center. (2025). Client Information & Community Assessment Survey. Internal Report.