There are two ways to get free food quickly: get groceries from a food pantry, or a cooked meal from a community kitchen. Find the closest food pantries and community kitchens by using the Food Map.
- For urgent food and hunger needs, call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311. You'll be provided with hours of operation and directions to the nearest food pantries and community kitchens
- Everyone is eligible for emergency food assistance, regardless of immigration status or how much money you have
- Food pantries and community kitchens exist in all five boroughs
- If you often need help buying food, use ACCESS NYC to see if you're eligible for SNAP (food stamps) and other benefits
- Some locations offer kosher food
Am I Eligible?
Everyone is eligible for emergency food assistance, regardless of immigration status or how much money you have.
How Can I Get Help?
- Visit Foodhelp.nyc for a map of food pantries and community kitchens near you.
- Call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 for 24/7 information on locations and hours.
- Visit the nearest active Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Other Food Programs
Breakfast & lunch in the summer
Summer Meals
NYC Department of Education
Children can get free breakfast and lunch in the summer at hundreds of locations in NYC.
Healthy food for families
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
NYS Department of Health
Free healthy food, counseling about healthy eating, breastfeeding support, and referrals for women, infants, and children under five.
Money to buy food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
NYC Human Resources Administration
SNAP benefits can help you feed your family with fresh and healthy groceries.