PantryLink Challenge

NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Mayor's Office of Food Policy (MOFP) just launched the PantryLink Challenge, calling on innovators and technologists to reimagine emergency food assistance in New York City.

New York City's emergency food infrastructure supports food access for hundreds of thousands of residents. At the core of this system is DSS' Community Food Connection (CFC) program, which provides funding to over 700 food pantries across the five boroughs. CFC has enabled a broad network of providers to help families put food on the table. Now, to meet rising need for support, the City requires a new approach.

The PantryLink Challenge invites ideas for a scalable, participant-centered pilot of a voucher-based or credit-based food assistance model. The City seeks bold, tech-enabled solutions that empower individuals with direct purchasing power and achieve the following goals:

1. Empower participant dignity and choice
2. Enhance nutritional and health outcomes
3. Strengthen local retail ecosystems
4. Improve system efficiency
5. Generate actional data and insights

Want to shape the future of food access, partner with City leaders, and pilot your solution in the largest city in the U.S.?

Learn more here and submit your proposal by January 26, 2026.

Interested applicants are encouraged to join DSS’ webinar on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM for more information. To view webinar details and submit questions, access PASSport here.