UJO Opens New Williamsburg Food Pantry as Hochul Joins Pre-Rosh Hashanah Distribution

The United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn marked the opening of a new food pantry at the W Mall last week, expanding its efforts to provide much-needed food assistance to local families ahead of Rosh Hashanah and throughout the year.

Governor Kathy Hochul joined UJO President Rabbi Moshe David Niederman and other community and elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new pantry, which is sponsored by Met Council.

Following the opening, UJO hosted a special pre-Rosh Hashanah food distribution benefiting 250 local families. Packages included a wide selection of Yom Tov essentials, including proteins, dairy products, eggs, and fresh produce, helping families prepare for the upcoming Yom Tov with dignity.

Joining Rabbi Niederman and Governor Hochul were Met Council CEO David G. Greenfield, New York Attorney General Letitia James, NYC Comptroller Mark Levine, State Senator Julia Salazar, State Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, Council Member Lincoln Restler, and other community and elected officials.

The new pantry comes as food insecurity remains a significant concern in the neighborhood. According to Restler, South Williamsburg has the second-highest rate of food insecurity in Brooklyn, underscoring the importance of additional local resources for families in need.

During the event, Hochul praised UJO and its partners for their work in bringing the new facility to the community.

“We are opening the first food pantry in Williamsburg where the need is great,” Hochul said, thanking Rabbi Niederman, UJO, Met Council and the elected officials involved in the effort.

Rabbi Niederman thanked the governor for providing resources that allow community organizations to continue delivering critical social services and food assistance to local residents.

The new pantry further expands UJO’s longstanding network of social services for Williamsburg and North Brooklyn residents and will provide families with a local resource for food assistance beyond the special Yom Tov distribution.

The opening comes at an especially important time, with UJO and other community organizations working to ensure that families facing financial hardship have what they need to properly celebrate Rosh Hashanah and the upcoming Yomim Tovim.