Welcome to the Community Café
In August, our Food and Farm teen interns had an idea: to take their newfound cooking skills and prepare a meal to share with the community for free. From that inspiration came our Community Café—a monthly, intergenerational, multi-course meal, where neighbors of all ages gather to share delicious food and connect through conversation.
Though it might seem simple, the Community Cafe is profound and innovative in the way it comprehensively responds to the pressing needs of our Northwest Bronx community— from food access to teen workforce development.
As the needs of our neighbors grow, we rely on your support to help Riverdale Neighborhood House create vibrant programs, like the Community Cafe, that strengthen, support, and nourish every generation. This holiday season, please give generously so we can continue to share creative programs with our neighbors.
Your gift makes a direct impact:
$1000 supports a teen's internship stipend
$500 provides 50 meals at the Community Cafe
$250 supplies a week's worth of produce for 30 people
$100 fills the shelves of our Neighborhood Fridge
2025 in Review
The Community Café brilliantly reflects many of our programs, from food access to intergenerational connections. Learn more about these programs and their impact in 2025 below.
FOOD ACCESS
This year, we significantly expanded our food access programming. From weekly produce giveaways to an emergency grocery bag program in response to SNAP freezes to our newly designed Neighborhood Fridge, there are numerous ways for neighbors to access fresh food. We have been able to serve thousands of neighbors, but in recent weeks the demand has doubled. Your gift can helps us sustain these resources in an unstable time.
“I’m retired and use SNAP. [These programs] have been very helpful to me, particularly as I have seen my benefits cut in the last year. I’m vegan so I love to sautée all the fresh vegetables I receive in the distributions.”
-Cynthia
2025 in numbers
100,000 pounds distributed
17,000 meals made possible
2,200+ people served
Teen Internships
The Community Cafe showcases just one example of our teens taking initiative and connecting to their community. Over the past 2 decades, the RNH youth internship program has provided in depth college and workforce development training for over 1,000 Bronx teens. The impact of this program follows teens beyond their high school experience — 95% of participants graduate college, compared to 64% nationwide. The demand for this programming keeps growing, with over 650 teens applying for just 38 spots in 2025. Your gift can help us expand this program.
“I’m grateful because now I have insight on the food systems that affect others and myself. I am proud about my work here because I was able to step out of my comfort zone and try new things despite some hesitance. Overall my time here was amazing and I wish there was more.”
-Hailey, Summer 2025 Food and Farm Intern
By the numbers
38 interns across 6 tracks in 2025
With 650+ applications received
1,000 high school interns over 20 years
95% of interns graduate college
Compared to 64% nationwide
Intergenerational Connections
At Riverdale Neighborhood House, we serve neighbors from ages 2 to 102 through integrated programs like Sesame 3G, the Intergenerational Advisory Council, and a new intergenerational internship. Our intergenerational programs create lasting bonds and strengthen the social fabric of our community - research shows that these programs reduce social isolation among older adults, boost academic performance for youth, and foster a deeper appreciation for aging. The Community Café was no different, with neighbors young and old coming together to share a meal. Your gift can help us continue to offer these unique opportunities for community connection.
“The bonds fostered during the program continue to grow even after the group parted ways. 3G members continue to meet and she believes they have built strong, lasting relationships due to experiences shared during the Program.”
-Lorraine, 3G Program Participant
By the numbers
500+ neighbors from ages 2 to 102 engaged
3 generations connected through Sesame 3G
250 hours of phone calls between teens and older adults
Community Events
From Music in the Garden to Community Day to Pride, RNH welcomed thousands of neighbors to over 15 inclusive events that celebrate the vibrancy of the Northwest Bronx. Each event helps create a third space for community members to gather together and join the fabric of the neighborhood. Our neighborhood is stronger when we are together. Your gift supports regular community programming open to all neighbors.
“Events like [the Community Café] bring people together and help us build each other up.”
-Marian, Community Cafe Attendee
2025 in numbers
4,000+ neighbors gathering through events
50+ local musicians featured in 11 community concerts
870 hot dogs and hamburgers grilled and served
Make a donation
Your gift is vital in sustaining programs like the Community Café. Support our community efforts by making a donation today.