In 1983, Rev. Judy Bennett’s vision for a women’s crisis center in Far Rockaway gave birth to The United Methodist Center in Far Rockaway also known as the Mission at Far Rockaway. As the center began to take shape, it became apparent that the community had pressing needs that required attention.
The Mission responded by expanding its services to include a soup kitchen, clothing bank, youth ministry, homeless drop-in center, and a social service referral system. In 1986, the center moved to larger premises at 1649 Smith Place and extended its programs to address alcohol addiction, substance abuse, and homelessness.
The homeless drop-in center proved to be a game-changer as it gave people a sense of belonging and an opportunity to transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.
The Mission’s work has been guided by the Gospel mandates of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and providing hospitality and spiritual, social, and physical services to foster self-confidence and pride in every human being. Today, the United Methodist Center in Far Rockaway is one of the most significant feeding programs in Queens, providing grab and go meals, food pantry, and emergency food assistance. The Mission’s impact on the community has been profound, and it continues to offer hope and transformation to those in need.
The Food Pantry operates two days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 12 Noon to 2 PM. Grocery bags with donated food items are distributed during these hours. Emergency food may be obtained at any time with a letter of referral from an agency.
Grab and Go Meals are served from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Monday – Friday.
Tuesdays and Thursdays
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Grocery bags with donated food items are distributed during these hours. Emergency food may be obtained at any time with a letter of referral from an agency.
Monday – Friday
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Phone : (718) 327-5071
Many New Yorkers Still Struggle With Food Insecurity
Over the past 10 years, the United Methodist Center in Far Rockaway has served over 700,000 clients through our soup kitchen and food pantry.
The Far Rockaway mission is a subsidiary of the United Methodist City Society, and operates with grant assistance from the New York Annual Conference, United Way, the Food Bank of NYC and NYC’s DSS Community Food Connection Program. The success of the mission is also attributed to the food donations and financial support from community organizations, local churches and individual donors.
Disclaimer: A copy of our most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website at www.charitiesnys.com or, upon request, by contacting the Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or us upon request, by contacting us at 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1922, New York, NY 10115  or by calling (212) 870-3084. You may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General by calling (212) 416-8401.