The Community First Food Pantry
Fresh, healthy, culturally appropriate food for anyone who needs it, offered with dignity and care.
Learn moreLoading UA3
Loading UA3
Lower East Side · New York City
UA3 works to connect New Yorkers with nourishing food, practical learning, and opportunities to strengthen the community we share. We are dedicated to serving our neighbors every Monday and Thursday at our Community First Food Pantry.
What community first means
UA3 works alongside Lower East Side residents and community organizations to advance food security, community well-being, and access to essential resources.
The Community First Food Pantry began during the COVID-19 emergency and now anchors UA3’s local work while partnerships extend food distribution beyond the neighborhood.
Programs
From a pantry visit to a community workshop, UA3 makes it easier to find useful support close to home.
Fresh, healthy, culturally appropriate food for anyone who needs it, offered with dignity and care.
Learn moreLeadership, well-being, career development, and community-service opportunities for young New Yorkers.
Learn moreCooking and nutrition learning that helps neighbors make the most of healthy, familiar ingredients.
Learn moreFood access
6,515
New Yorkers served by the Community First Food Pantry · 2025
New Yorkers fed by the Community First Food Pantry in 2025.
8,447
average people served per month · 2024
Monthly average for 2024.
From UA3
Stories, gatherings, and updates from our work across the neighborhood.
UA3 partnered with nutrition students from Teachers College, Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian on practical cooking workshops and an accessible community cookbook.
Read full story: UA3 community cooking and cookbook collaborationUA3’s current homepage links to Program Assistant Jiayi Liu’s reflection on a summer internship with the organization.
Read full story: My summer internship experience: Jiayi LiuUA3 unveiled new trucks supporting food distribution in April 2026.
Read full story: UA3 new trucks unveiling
