What’s next after Bento: a guide to food resources in New York
Reaching the end of your Bento authorization period doesn’t mean reaching the end of your support. New York State has one of the strongest food assistance networks in the nation — from federal benefits to city-run pantries to community meal programs. Here’s a rundown of what’s available and how to access it.
Start here: SNAP (food stamps in New York)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits on an EBT card that works at most grocery stores and many online retailers. In New York, you can apply online in about 15 minutes — and many New Yorkers are surprised to find they qualify.
Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov or in person at your local Department of Social Services.
Am I eligible?
You may qualify if:
You live in New York state
You’re a U.S. citizen or have a legal immigration status
You meet the income limits. A single adult earning under roughly $2,005/month may qualify. Families of four can earn up to around $4,132/month.* Households with elderly or disabled members have expanded eligibility.
You spend a lot of your income on rent, bills, or child care
*Based on 2025 guidelines - this number may change
Don’t worry if you're not sure—many people are eligible without realizing it.
What do I need to apply?
To apply, it helps to have:
ID (like a driver’s license or Medicare card)
Proof of income (like a pay stub or benefits letter)
Rent or housing costs
A list of monthly expenses (utilities, child care, etc.)
How to get started
You can apply in about 10 minutes:
MyBenefits NY
Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits through the official New York State portal.
NYC ACCESS HRA
New York City residents can apply for SNAP and cash assistance through the city’s own portal.
WIC: Support for Women, Infants, and Children
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers supplemental food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to:
Pregnant women
Postpartum and breastfeeding mothers
Infants and children under 5
Eligibility is based on income and nutritional risk. WIC benefits are provided through checks or digital payment cards redeemable at authorized grocery stores.
To find a local WIC clinic or apply, visit health.ny.gov.
Food banks & pantries across New York
New York’s network of food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens operates in every county from Manhattan to the North Country. Most are open to anyone in need — no documentation required, no questions asked.
Statewide
Feeding America Finder
Enter your zip code to find the nearest food bank or pantry anywhere in New York State.
Statewide
211 New York
Call or text 211 — a specialist will connect you to food pantries, hot meals, and emergency food near you. Free, 24/7.
NYC
Food Bank for New York City
The city’s largest food pantry network, with hundreds of distribution sites across all five boroughs.
NYC
City Harvest
Rescues millions of pounds of food from restaurants and distributes it free across NYC neighborhoods.
Food Help NYC Map
Use the Growing Up NYC map to locate community kitchens and food pantries.
growingupnyc.cityofnewyork.us →
Upstate
Regional Food Bank of NENY
Serves 23 counties in northeastern and central New York through 1,000+ partner agencies.
Western NY
FeedMore WNY
Serves Erie, Niagara, Orleans, and Genesee counties with pantries, mobile distributions, and meal programs.
Community meals & hot food programs
Across New York, dozens of organizations serve free hot meals every day of the week. No paperwork, no appointment — just show up.
NYC Department of Social Services — Free community meals at soup kitchens throughout all five boroughs; find sites at nyc.gov/dsshelpnow or call 311
Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen — One of the largest soup kitchens in the US, serving free lunch Monday–Friday in Manhattan
Salvation Army NY — Hot meal programs and food boxes in Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, and NYC
Local houses of worship — Churches, synagogues, and mosques throughout NYS host free community meals weekly. Look online to find events near you.
NYC-specific programs
If you live in New York City, you have access to several programs that go beyond what the rest of the state offers.
GetFoodNYC
The city’s emergency food access portal connects residents to pantries, mobile markets, and grab-and-go meals.
NYC Free Meals Map
An interactive map of all free meal sites currently operating in the five boroughs, updated regularly.
Produce & farmers market benefits
New York SNAP recipients can stretch their grocery budget with several produce-focused programs.
FreshConnect Checks — Extra money for SNAP recipients to buy fruits and vegetables at participating NY farmers markets
Wholesome Wave — Double-value SNAP benefits at select New York farmers markets
GrowNYC Greenmarkets — Many accept EBT; use the EBT reader at the info table to receive Health Bucks for produce
For seniors (60+)
Older New Yorkers can access several dedicated programs on top of SNAP.
Meals on Wheels New York — Free home-delivered meals for homebound seniors; call 212-871-3000 or visit mowny.org
SNAP Elderly Simplified Application — Seniors 60+ can apply for SNAP with a shorter application and longer recertification period
NY Congregate Meals — Hot meals served at senior centers statewide; contact your county Office for Aging to find locations
NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) — Manages dozens of senior meal sites across the five boroughs
Not sure where to start?
Call or text 211 — it’s free, available 24/7, and staffed with people trained to connect you with the exact food programs in your neighborhood. In New York City, you can also dial 311 for local food referrals in any language.