New York City
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Food and Nutrition


Food Resources

 

The resources listed below provide information about food pantries, food resources, and food aid programs (like SNAP and WIC). Check out the sources linked for additional information.

 

Food Pantry and Food-Related Resources

 

Hot Meals/Brown Bags Lunch
  • School Meals: Children who go to public, private, non-profit, or residential child care centers get free or low-cost food at their schools. Visit schools.nyc.gov/school-life/food/school-meals to learn more.
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  • Summer Food Service Program: Children and young adults under the age of 18 can get free breakfast or lunch during the summer. Text “NYC Food” to 304-304 for locations.
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  • Hot Meals: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or text “Food” to 877-877 for free meals at nearby locations.

 

Food Aid Programs

 

Baby Formula
  • Free Baby Formula: WIC gives free baby formula to moms. For specialty formula, ask for a prescription form from your doctor and give it to your WIC office. Call a WIC office to make an appointment and apply for benefits. Find a WIC office at signupwic.com or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006.
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  • Free Delivery of Baby Formula: WIC members can have baby formula delivered for free. Order from Benjamin’s Pharmacy at (718) 405-9111.

 

Other Resources
  • Community Fridges: Maintained by community members, they offer free food to whoever wants it. Find fridges nearby by going to Google.com/maps and typing “Community fridges near me”.
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  • Health Bucks: All NYC farmers markets accept Health Bucks for fresh produce. Get your bucks from hospitals and non-profits. Text “SOGOOD” to 877877 to find local farmer’s markets.

 

Updated on February 8, 2024.
 


Food Aid Navigation Services

 

Organizations help the most vulnerable New York City residents apply for benefits and entitlements by providing targeted outreach, eligibility screening, and application assistance. Please see the linked resources below.

 

Non-Profit Organizations
  • LiveOn NY: Its Benefits and Entitlement Program assists with services in submitting a SNAP application. Call (212) 398-5045 and connect with a benefits specialist.
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  • Hunger Free America (HFA): HFA assists low-income families in obtaining aid from public assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a Benefit Access representative at (646) 355-1475.

 
Updated on February 8, 2024.




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