The Grand Street neighborhood is giving back to our community! The Grand Street BID is hosting our 5th annual Grand Street Holiday Food Drive. 15 small businesses will host collection boxes for non-perishable food items to be shared with neighbors in need. We’re excited to work in partnership with North Brooklyn Mutual Aid to collect items and distribute them to community food access points in our greater North Brooklyn community, as well as to specific food giveaway events.
To donate, just stop by any of our participating businesses and drop the food items in the holiday wrapped collection box. That’s it! Use the list below to pick out groceries. Don’t forget to shop locally for your food donations. You can even shop for items at a participant like Bravo Supermarket (785 Grand Street) to check out and donate in one trip. In past years the food drive was a great success, with collections between 800lbs-900lbs of food per year.
Items that are especially helpful are as follows: peanut butter, breakfast cereals, oatmeal, canned vegetables, canned soups, pasta, rice, canned beans, canned fish, baby formula + food, granola bars, raisins, and dried fruit.
You can drop off food at the following participating businesses:
Laundry Taxi - 578 Grand Street
Blinky’s Bar - 609 Grand Street
Strutting Mutts - 624 Grand Street
Crystal Lake - 647 Grand Street
Empire Lock - 648 Grand Street
Alcatraz Flower Shop - 648 Grand Street
United Xtreme Williamsburg - 653 Grand Street
King Kog - 697 Grand Street
Brooklyn Dental Professionals - 700 Grand Street
Absolute Power Fitness - 750 Grand Street
Bravo Supermarket - 785 Grand Street
Philomena’s Bar - 796 Grand Street
Good Karma Tattoo - 791 Grand Street
Alita Cafe - 797 Grand Street
Groomers and Pomade - 804 Grand Street
“We are so happy to host this signature event that allows our businesses and neighbors to give back and we’re thrilled to be partnering with North Brooklyn Mutual Aid,” said Erin Piscopink, Executive Director of the Grand Street BID. “We are so inspired by their ongoing efforts and positive impact. Both of our organizations have a deep commitment to our community, making them an ideal partner for this year’s food drive.”
North Brooklyn Mutual Aid is a collective of neighbors helping neighbors that formed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Shana Kimball, a coordinator from North Brooklyn Mutual Aid says, “We are happy to help distribute the collections from the 5th Annual Grand Street Holiday Food Drive across the neighborhood with thanks to the Grand Street BID and local business involved for their coordination, and for all of the neighbors participating.” Over the past two years, North Brooklyn Mutual Aid has continued to expand its essential grocery support through deliveries, community fridges, and gift card programs, as well as launching community initiatives, including the distribution of harm reduction supplies and hygiene items; housing defense and homeless outreach; and composting and open spaces/streets stewardship.
