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Individual Care
Food Assistance
The NYC Department of Veterans' Services (DVS) serves veterans facing food insecurity due to a financial emergency, as well as homebound veterans in need of food delivery services. DVS connects veterans to local food services and assistance programs in their community.
Connect to food assistance services by filling out the VetConnectNYC form and selecting "Food Assistance" as your preferred service:
Request Services on VetConnectNYC
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Emergency Food Assistance
- Three free meals are available for every New Yorker. Meals can be picked up at all Meal Hubs, between 7:30 am and 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Text "NYC FOOD" or "NYC COMIDA" to 877-877 to find a Meal Hub near you or visit the Meal Hubs website.
- DVS coordinates food deliveries to veterans and their families across NYC. Fill out the form at VetConnectNYC to request free meal kits from HelloFresh or GetFoodNYC.
- Call Growing Up NYC's Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen.
- For an online food assistance resource guide, visit COVID-19 Food Hub NYC.
- Visit the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center to find a list of food resources in each NYC neighborhood.
Benefits Assistance
- You can apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits online at Access HRA.
- To shop for fresh groceries online using your SNAP benefits visit the online SNAP ordering page.
- The Volunteers of Legal Service's (VOLS) Unemployed Workers Project provides free legal advice to low-wage and unemployed workers who are seeking government benefits. If you need support accessing benefits, call the Unemployed Workers Project hotline at 347-521-5720 or fill out this VOLS Unemployed Workers Interest Form.
Delivery Services
- DVS coordinates food deliveries to veterans and their families across NYC. Fill out the form at VetConnectNYC to request free meal kits from HelloFresh or GetFoodNYC.
- Place requests for food deliveries from volunteers in your community through Invisible Hands.
- God's Love We Deliver delivers food to individuals living with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
Find a Food Bank
- The NYC Department of Probation has opened five Nutrition Kitchens throughout the city. When you visit a NeON Nutrition Kitchen, you'll get free, nutritious groceries and great service from our friendly staff.
- The following organizations provide food bank locations and maps:
- Coalition for the Homeless
- Feeding America
- Food Help NYC
- USFoodBanks.org
- Plentiful
- Call Growing Up NYC's Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 to find a local pantry or kitchen.
- Download the Plentiful app to make reservations at food pantries.
Food Assistance for Senior Veterans
- Seniors looking for delivery services can visit Meals on Wheels.