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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, please be advised that upcoming changes will be taking effect:
    •  
    • Immigrant New Yorkers:
      • Participating in SNAP does not affect a person's immigration status and/or ability to become a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident.
        • The federal government proposed a revision to rules on how to determine if an immigrant is a public charge. This is a proposed rule, and no changes have been made.
        • Visit the Public Charge webpage or call MOIA’s Immigration Legal Hotline at 1-800-354-0365, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., to access timely and trusted information and connections to City-funded, free, and safe immigration legal help.
  • If you want to apply for SNAP, SNAP applications are still being accepted.
    • All New Yorkers are encouraged to apply for benefits, regardless of immigration status.
      • Non-citizen parents ARE able to apply for their US citizen children.
    • Applying for or receiving SNAP benefits does not make someone a public charge and will not be considered in a public charge determination. Learn more about SNAP benefits for immigrants.

Follow DSS Community Updates and see further SNAP guidance 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:


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.