Individual Care

Food Assistance

Visit VetConnectNYC.org

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

  • Three free meals are available for every New Yorker. Meals can be picked up at all Meal Hubs, between 7:30 am and 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Text "NYC FOOD" or "NYC COMIDA" to 877-877 to find a Meal Hub near you or visit the Meal Hubs website.
  • DVS coordinates food deliveries to veterans and their families across NYC. Fill out the form at VetConnectNYC to request free meal kits from HelloFresh or GetFoodNYC.
  • Call Growing Up NYC's Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen.
  • For an online food assistance resource guide, visit COVID-19 Food Hub NYC.
  • Visit the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center to find a list of food resources in each NYC neighborhood.

Benefits Assistance

Delivery Services

  • DVS coordinates food deliveries to veterans and their families across NYC. Fill out the form at VetConnectNYC to request free meal kits from HelloFresh or GetFoodNYC.
  • 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.

Find a Food Bank

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 Division 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

Reports and Studies

Resources for Service Providers