Access

Food matters. Whether you are in need of a hot meal right now or consistent access to benefits to purchase food for your family, this site lays out options for accessing healthy food. 

Food Resources

For SNAP households or applicants:

• If you currently receive SNAP
• On November 6, 2025, the USDA provided guidance to states to issue full November SNAP benefit payments to eligible households.
• Your EBT card is still working and funds issued before November 1 can continue to be used. You must continue to meet all SNAP requirements.
• If you want to apply for SNAP
• SNAP applications are still being accepted.
  

Get the latest updates on SNAP benefits at otda.ny.gov.

For anyone looking to get food:

• Free food is available to all in need. Find your nearest food provider at FoodHelp.nyc.
• See if you are eligible for other benefit programs by visiting Access HRA.
• NYCBenefits is a citywide program to support benefits enrollment and case management support at community-based organizations. To find an NYCBenefits or other community-based organization who can assist with applications for benefits, please visit DSS Find a Partner. You can filter by zip code, benefit type, language spoken, and more.
• NYC Health Department provides Nutrition Tips to help you access nutritious food on a limited budget.

For Medicaid participants:

• Medicaid participants may qualify for food assistance (such as food boxes, medically tailored meals, and home delivered meals) through a Social Care Network (SCN). For more information about what services you can receive, contact the SCN for your borough.

Bronx
SOMOS Community Care
(833) 766-6769

Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens
Public Health Solutions
(888) 755-5045

Staten Island
Staten Island Performing Provider System
(917) 830-1140

For NYC public school students:

• New York City Public School (NYCPS) students can receive free, healthy breakfast and lunch every day. Find out more about universal free school meals at nyc.gov/SchoolMealsForStudents.
  • Reach out to your school’s parent coordinator for information about additional resources in your school district.

For older adults:

• NYC Aging remains steadfast in our commitment to continue serving older adults as they navigate the uncertainty around SNAP. They are encouraged to visit one of our 300+ older adult centers across the city where they can not only receive a daily meal and speak with a case manager to learn what other programs they may qualify for, but also participate in many health and wellness activities.
• Older New Yorkers can also call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) for more information including on how homebound older adults can reach out to one of our case management agencies who can assess their eligibility for home delivered meals. NY Connects can also make direct referrals to a local case management agency or caregiver program, as well as provide information on food pantries.