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 Get Food NYC.
- 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
Who is eligible
Everyone is eligible for emergency food assistance, regardless of immigration status or how much money you have.
How to get help
- Visit Get Food NYC to get food assistance.
- Call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 for 24/7 information on locations and hours.
- Visit the nearest active Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Other Food Programs
Summer Meals
NYC Department of Education
Breakfast & lunch in the summer
New Yorkers can get free breakfast and lunch this summer at 400 locations in NYC.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
NYS Department of Health
Healthy food for families
Free healthy food, counseling about healthy eating, breastfeeding support, and referrals for women, infants, and children under five.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
NYC Human Resources Administration
Money to buy food
SNAP benefits can help you feed your family with fresh and healthy groceries.
Updated August 28, 2020