Food Security Resources
During the COVID-19 outbreak, both City and nonprofit organizations are providing support for food-insecure people and families across the New York area. Find resources below for options for those who are able to leave their home, as well as delivery options for homebound, elderly, or ill persons, and more.
Many organizations listed here are NYC Agencies. Please visit Updates on NYC Agency Suspensions and Reductions or call the listed providers/resources to confirm hours of operation. For assistance in navigating these pages, please visit Ask NYPL.
Looking to help? Check Help Now NYC for ways you can (safely) volunteer to help fellow New Yorkers. If your business can help the city or state with manufacturing or donating medical supplies or personal protective equipment, click here to learn more.
Did you know? There are social work student interns at select library locations to help you find help with housing, food assistance, healthcare, short-term shelter and more.
Outside the Home
Catholic Charity
In addition to offering food to bring home and some hot meals on-site, Catholic Charity also provides support to reduce people's need for emergency food supplements. Find food near you! Including information on food pantries, soup kitchens, and SNAP.
Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Those who are eligible are provided coupons to redeem fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets and farm stands
FoodHelp NYC
Provides an interactive map for food pantries with filters for boroughs, facility type, service type, and kosher needs. Use this map to also find in-person assistance for SNAP Benefits. Call the organizations ahead of time to confirm their operating hours.
Foodbank NYC
Search this interactive map to find providers who are offering “grab and go” meals and pantry bags. Call locations ahead to confirm their current service hours.
Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON)
NeON Nutrition Kitchens are neighborhood food pantries that help people transitioning from the justice system to stay on the right track. But you don’t have to be on probation to come to a NeON Nutrition Kitchen.
NYC Department for the Aging
While senior centers throughout the City are currently closed, at-home meal delivery is available. Find your nearest senior center at the link above for information on signing up, or call Aging Connect at 212-Aging-NYC (212-244-6469) or 311.
From-Home Access
GetFoodNYC
City-operated delivery service that will deliver two days worth of meals to homebound and food-insecure New Yorkers who are not currently served through existing programs. Eligible participants can sign up at the link above or call 311.
Citymeals on Wheels
Meal delivery for those who are 60 or older and unable to prepare meals on their own. Check the link above for eligibility requirements and to contact your neighborhood’s Case Management Agency to apply.
Apply for SNAP Benefits
ACCESS HRA
July recertifications for Cash Assistance and SNAP have been extended for six months. Clients whose SNAP or Cash Assistance benefits expire on or after August 31 will need to recertify to keep receiving benefits. Letters are being sent notifying clients of when their benefits will expire, and how to recertify.
Visit ACCESS HRA to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Apply online or over the phone, as many physical locations are currently closed. To see a list of centers that are open, please visit their interactive map here. Learn more about what you can do on ACCESS HRA: Available in English, Spanish/Español, Chinese (Traditional)/繁體中文, Chinese (Simplified)/简体中文, Russian/Русский, Arabic/العربية, Haitian Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen, Korean/한국어, Bengali/ বাংলা, Urdu/اردو, Polish/Polski, French/Français.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Free healthy food and services to low-income women and children, including nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, health education, and referrals.
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