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Free Food Pantry
Our pantry ensures equitable food access in the Lower 9th Ward, providing fresh, nutritious groceries to those in need with dignity and respect.
Food Access: Eat Local; Protect the Environment; Divert Waste
CGR opened a mobile pantry in 2020 to combat food apartheid in the Lower 9th Ward during the onset of a global pandemic. In 2021, the Levee Pantry was established at 1804 Deslonde St, which was maintained but renamed the Free Pantry and has continued to serve our neighbors every Saturday from 10 am- 2 pm. This is a low-barrier pantry, which does not require proof of ID, registration, or residence to receive aid. We operate as a first-come-first-served and self-select model in order to share groceries with as much dignity, autonomy, and equity as possible. In its four years in operation, the Free Pantry has grown in demand- what once served 25 families weekly now regularly sees 90 families, representing an average of 250 individuals, over half of which are children and senior citizens. Annually, we serve fresh produce, dry goods, and donated baked items to over 4,000 individuals. In times of crisis, such as the weeks following Hurricane Ida in 2021, the Free Pantry operates as a resource distribution hub, open daily as needed, to distribute donated disaster recovery supplies. Since 2023, CGR has coordinated disaster preparation efforts with multiple local partners to offer aid in a proactive, rather than reactive, approach under the name of the Stay Ready Network.
Impact
In 2023, the Free Pantry served over 4,000 individuals, distributing fresh produce, dry goods, and baked items. Over half of those served were children and seniors, ensuring critical aid reaches the most vulnerable members of the community.
Food insecurity has long been a concern in our neighborhood and was exacerbated by COVID-19 and the collapse of our tourism-dependent local economy. In response, Common Ground Relief returned to food security work in March 2020. CGR initially partnered with lowernine.org and Second Harvest Food Bank to run twice-monthly mobile food distributions and then operate the Levee Food Pantry. Since January 2022, Common Ground Relief has independently operated the Free Pantry with an emphasis on fresh produce and barrier-free grocery access.
We received a $45,000 grant from the New Orleans Recreation and Culture Fund, nominated by Councilman Oliver Thomas that will sustain us for the entirety of 2024. We feed an average of 70+ families each week, representing on average 84 children, 84 adults, and 34 seniors. In 2021 CGR served an average of 25 families a week, in 2022 we served up to 50+ families per week. We have doubled our impact each year for three consecutive years. We partner with local farms Barcelo Gardens and River Queen Greens to support local growers. Local businesses divert their excess food products from landfills and instead deliver donations of fresh produce and baked goods to families in need.
Free Weekly Grocery Distribution
The pantry is located at 1804 Deslonde Street, New Orleans, LA 70117 and is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
No intake paperwork is required, just sign in. There are no requirements for residency, income, or appointments.
Volunteer to Work at the Pantry
Volunteer to restock shelves, conduct client intake, clean, and more by signing up here or emailing volunteer@commongroundrelief.org.
Donate to the Pantry
Donate specifically to the pantry here. If you have the ability to secure bulk food donations, please call us or email volunteer@commongroundrelief.org — we would love to have your help feeding our community!
Thanks to Ayu Bakehouse, Levee Baking Co, Bubba’s Produce, Bellegarde Bakery, The Station, Barcelo Gardens, River Queen Greens, and more. We are always accepting donations of canned items and other shelf-stable goods.
The Free Pantry is rooted in the belief that food access is a fundamental right, offering a safe and equitable space for the community to receive the resources they need. This program embodies empowerment, dignity, and resilience, operating with a commitment to reducing food insecurity and combating food apartheid in the Lower 9th Ward. With an ever-growing need, the pantry provides not just food but a sense of community, optimism, and hope in the face of systemic challenges. Here, real people make a difference, sharing resources in a way that is accessible, equitable, and respectful of personal autonomy.