There are two ways to get free food quickly: get groceries from a food pantry, or a cooked meal from a community kitchen. Find your closest food pantries and community kitchens on the Food Help NYC map.
- For urgent food and hunger needs, call 311 and ask for the Emergency Food Assistance Program. 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.
- If you often need help buying food, use ACCESS NYC to see if you're eligible for SNAP (food stamps) and other benefits.
Other Food Programs
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
NYS Department of Health (NYS DOH)
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 (HRA)
Money to buy food
SNAP benefits can help you feed your family with fresh and healthy groceries.
School Food
NYC Department of Education (DOE)
Free school breakfast and lunch
NYC students can enjoy free breakfast and lunch every school day.
Updated July 11, 2022