Food Assistance
The NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) serves veterans facing food insecurity due to a financial emergency, as well as homebound veterans in need of food delivery services. DVS connects veterans to local food services and assistance programs in their community.
Connect to food assistance services by filling out the VetConnectNYC form and selecting "Food Assistance" as your preferred service:
Request Services on VetConnectNYC
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Emergency Food Assistance
- DVS coordinates food deliveries to veterans and their families across NYC. Fill out the form at VetConnectNYC to request free meal kits from HelloFresh.
- Call Growing Up NYC's Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen.
- Visit the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center to find a list of food resources in each NYC neighborhood.
- DVS coordinates food deliveries to veterans and their families across NYC. Fill out the form at VetConnectNYC to request free meal kits from HelloFresh.
- Place requests for food deliveries from volunteers in your community through Invisible Hands.
- God's Love We Deliver delivers food to individuals living with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- The NYC Department of Probation has opened five Nutrition Kitchens throughout the city. When you visit a NeON Nutrition Kitchen, you'll get free, nutritious groceries and great service from our friendly staff.
- The following organizations provide food bank locations and maps:
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- V.E.T.S Inc administers several food programs to include pantries, Grab and Go, Soup Kitchens, and Senior Food Programs at various Veteran-based facilities. See below for locations and availability.
- Veteran In Command
116-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd. Rockaway Park, NY 11169
Food Pantry every Tuesday from 3 to 5 pm
Site Supervisor: Sal Lopizzo, Executive Director V.I.C
- American Legion Post 483
240-08 135th Avenue, Rosedale, NY11422
Food Pantry every Wednesday from 3 to 5 pm
Senior Silver Service (CSFP) every 2nd Wednesday of each month
w/Photo ID, Date of Birth, Proof of Residency Required
Site Supervisor: Post Commander, Major Retired Sharon Sweeting Lindsey
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5298
143-17 Springfield Blvd., Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
Food pantry every Wednesday from 3 to 5 pm
Site Supervisor: Post Commander Leroy A. Barnes
- Hollis Gardens Veterans Complex (Help USA)
202-14 Hollis Avenue, Hollis, NY11412
Food Pantry every Thursday from 3 to 5 pm
Senior Silver Service (CSFP) every 2nd Wednesday of each month
w/Photo ID, Date of Birth, Proof of Residency Required
Site Supervisor: Post Commander Neil Jordan
- Honor House Veterans Facility
111-16 173rd Street, Jamaica, NY 11433
Food pantry every Friday from 10 am to 12 PM
Grab & Go Soup Kitchen from 10 am to 12 pm
Site Supervisor, Shantel Anderson, Executive Administrator
Food Assistance for Senior Veterans
FreshConnect Checks for Veterans, Service Members, and Immediate Family Members
- In collaboration with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services is offering FreshConnect Checks to Veterans, service members, and their immediate families.
- Each eligible Veteran, service member, or family member may receive $20 worth of FreshConnect Checks for redemption at participating farmers’ markets and farm stands. Recipients can shop with these FreshConnect Checks and redeem them for dairy, produce, meat, fish, eggs, or any SNAP eligible food items.
- While supplies are available, you may be eligible to receive FreshConnect Checks through the Division of Veterans’ Services on a first come, first served basis.
- If you are a Veteran, service member, or immediate family member of a Veteran, please call (888) 838-7697 for more information on how to obtain FreshConnect Checks.
- Click here to find a farmer’s market near you
Resources for Service Providers