Food Relief and Community Action
This guide provides resources for New Yorkers affected by the federal government shutdown, now entering its third week. With federal employees working without pay and SNAP benefits for hundreds of thousands of households at risk of delay starting November 1, many families are facing growing food insecurity. Below you’ll find information for those in immediate need of food assistance and for those who want to help through donations or volunteering.
If You Need Immediate Help
Find Food Near You - NYC Food Finder:
Locate food pantries and free meals near you using the NYC Food Finder or the Food Bank for NYC Food Map.
Local Food Programs
- Church of the Village Hunger Relief
- Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen
- Community Fridges in NYC: Find a fridge near you. They operate on a “take what you need, leave what you can” model. Map of locations here.
If You Receive SNAP: Check updates through OTDA, ACCESS HRA, or myBenefits. Unused benefits remain available after November 1. You can check your balance at ebtEDGE.com. Continue completing recertifications and periodic reports to stay eligible.
National Resources
- National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish), Mon–Fri, 7 AM–10 PM
- Dial 211: 24/7 multilingual assistance for food, rent, and utility support
- Feeding America Food Bank Locator
-
FindHelp.org
Food Relief and Community Action
Even though SNAP benefits are currently being issued on time in NYC, the federal shutdown, new ABAWD work requirements, and delays to programs like HEAP are putting extra pressure on food banks and community charities, making this an especially important moment to donate or volunteer as we head into Thanksgiving.
If you’re looking for ways to give back or volunteer this season, here are a few organizations doing essential work on the front lines:
The Bowery Mission: Serves New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and hunger since the 1870s, and continues its work today through meals, shelter, and children’s programs. Learn how to volunteer, donate, or support their community efforts here.
City Harvest: Recovers millions of pounds of fresh, high-quality food that would otherwise go to waste and delivers it (free of charge) to food pantries and soup kitchens across all five boroughs. Learn how to volunteer, donate, or support their efforts here.
Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen: Serves nutritious meals every weekday to anyone in need, providing food, comfort, and hope while advocating for people experiencing homelessness. Visit their Get Involved page to volunteer, donate, or partner in their mission to feed and uplift New Yorkers (link here).
West Side Campaign Against Hunger: WSCAH is increasing the size of its grocery distribution by 50% beginning this November. Please, make an urgent donation to help WSCAH meet the rising need, and ensure healthy food access for our customers, and/or visit their Get Involved page to volunteer (link here).
If You Want to Help
The 1,000 Cans Project: Launched by Sommer Omar, candidate for State Committee in Lower Manhattan, this grassroots effort aims to collect 1,000 cans of food for The Bowery Mission to support New Yorkers impacted by the SNAP funding lapse. Drop off donations on Saturdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15 & 22 (10 AM–2 PM) at Tribeca or Abingdon Square Greenmarkets. Volunteers welcome, sign up here.
City Harvest: City Harvest rescues and redistributes millions of pounds of food each year to feed New Yorkers in need. Visit their Take Action page to volunteer, donate, or host a food drive in your community here.
14th Street Y, The Sirovich Center Food Pantry is open on the first Wednesday of the month, and serves lunch M-F at 331 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003. Volunteer to serve lunch and to pack bags at the pantry. Contact: M Clayton at [email protected] or click here.
Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen: Serves nutritious meals every weekday to anyone in need, providing food, comfort, and hope while advocating for people experiencing homelessness. Visit their Get Involved page to volunteer, donate, or partner in their mission to feed and uplift New Yorkers (link here).
One Love Community Fridge: Works to end hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition while breaking the stigma around food access. Centering fresh food, nutrition education, and sustainability, they operate a citywide network of community fridges and partnerships. Visit their site to volunteer, donate, or host a fridge (link here)
West Side Campaign Against Hunger: WSCAH is increasing the size of its grocery distribution by 50% beginning this November. Please, make an urgent donation to help WSCAH meet the rising need, and ensure healthy food access for our customers, and/or visit their Get Involved page to volunteer (link here).