food resources
More than 49 million Americans live in households that don’t have enough food to feed their families every day, yet our country produces enough food to feed everyone. If you live in one of those households, you are not alone. 2-1-1 can connect you to programs that can help.
food pantries & SOUP KITCHENS
A food pantry is an individual site that distributes bags or boxes of food directly to those in need who reside in a specified area. A food pantry is a member agency of, and obtains food from, a food bank. Both food pantries and food banks share the same commitment: to provide food to those in need.
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be utilized to purchase food at participating retail centers. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled, and others feed their families. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income, and other factors.
farmers markets
A farmers' market is a physical retail marketplace intended to sell foods directly by farmers to consumers. Farmers' markets may be indoors or outdoors and typically consist of booths, tables or stands where farmers sell their homegrown produce, live animals and plants, and sometimes prepared foods and beverages.
SUMMER EBT
Summer EBT is an annual food benefit program that helps low-income families with school aged children buy groceries during the summer. Benefits are issued once per year for each eligible child. Children are enrolled automatically when they are between the ages of 6-16 and receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or Medicaid, beginning July through September.
Food $en$e
Food $en$e is a monthly food buying co-op for anyone wanting to stretch their grocery dollars. The program provides a monthly box of 12 to 15 staple grocery items at a discounted price. Just place your order and provide payment of $20.50, then pick up your groceries 2 weeks later! There is no age, income, or residential requirement to participate.
SUMMER MEALS
Summer Meals is a sister program to Summer EBT that provides free breakfast and lunch for anyone 18 years of age or younger in places like public schools, community pool centers, parks, and public libraries in New York State. There is no sign-up required—just show up and receive free meals during the summer! This program is available from June 29 to September 4.
DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS
A benefit program for SNAP members to double up on fresh fruits and vegetables through ‘Double Up’ coupons used in addition to their SNAP/EBT card. This program is available at hundreds of locations throughout the state and has no funding cycle restrictions.
WIC
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is state funded program that provides nutrition assistance for people who are pregnant, up to six months postpartum or 12 months (if breastfeeding) and children under the age of 5, and their caregivers. Benefits include money to buy healthy food and infant formula, nutrition classes and workshops, support for pregnancy, and breast pumps for those that need them.
Can’t Find what You’re Looking For?
With the help of The Food Pantries, finding a food program in New York State is quick and easy! Click the button below to learn more and view the map of Food Programs Across New York.
Looking to Shop Local?
Check out the Cortland County Local Food Map created by Seven Valleys Health Coalition:
