National Food Bank Day is observed on September 5 and was created to raise awareness of food insecurity and support food banks. As food insecurity rises nationwide and food prices continue to climb, placing strain on families and communities, New York City has expanded its response through programs that support over 700 food pantries and soup kitchens and helped nearly 95,000 low-income households recover close to $48 million in stolen benefits between August 2023 and January 2025. Read more about the city’s attempt at implementing its 10-year food policy plan and its progress here.
NYC 311’s Food Resources page offers food assistance for New Yorkers in need, including
- Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens
- SNAP (Food Stamps) Nutrition Incentive
- WIC program supports pregnant women, mothers, and young children
- Group meals offered at Senior Centers or Home Delivered Meals program for eligible New Yorkers over 60 years old
NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) also offers food pantries that coordinate distribution across all five boroughs through an extensive network of community-based providers. Each location provides specific scheduling and contact information, and residents should contact pantries directly to confirm operating schedules and availability. For complete directory and contact information, visit DYCD’s food pantry page.
