This Mott Street Bakery is Serving Free Hot Lunches to those in Need
Photo: Karlin Chan
As the mandated lockdown drags towards its third month, and basic necessities remain scarce and overpriced, the need to feed Chinatown seniors and destitute are being addressed thanks to individuals and organizations stepping up.
The struggle is real. With nearby local farms closing, prices for Chinese vegetables has increased, mainly due to added cost of shipping from Florida. While the city’s “Grab-and-Go” meals are readily available throughout Chinatown and the Lower East side, many seniors are simply not accustomed to a cold sandwich or cereal with milk.
Recognizing this growing problem is Patrick Mock, who manages the 46 Mott Street bakery. As one of the few establishments that remained open since the non-essential business ban went into effect, the store has ramped up production of steamed bread buns filled with Chinese roasted pork, lotus seed paste, and a chicken variety with Chinese sausage which sells out quicker than can be made.
A couple of weeks ago, Mock devised a win-win solution and has been providing free hot lunches until the day’s allotment runs out. These meals cost $3 each to prepare, and are funded by donations to their Venmo account.
Last week, ReThink partnered with Teddy Mui President of the Tai Look merchants association as a distribution point for the thousands of free meals it plans to send into the community.
Also contributing is the Chinese Baptist church on Madison Street as another distribution point for ReThink provided meals.
All free meal distribution starts at 11am daily at the following locations while supplies last. Open to all:
46 Mott bakery
Tai Look Merchant Association
58 East Broadway
Chinese Conservative Baptist church
103 Madison Street
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