New York City is experiencing unprecedented levels of food insecurity, with hunger impacting an estimated 1.5 million New Yorkers in 2020.
S:US has a broad reach to some of New York’s most vulnerable individuals and families, offering an opportunity to strengthen food security for the people we serve through our programs.
This hub provides a space to learn more about the basics of food security, and to find and access food security resources. Watch the orientation video to learn more about this hub, or explore the resources below.
Food Resources
A range of city and nonprofit tools are available to assist in finding local food resources. Use the resource map tools or the the assistance tools in this section to find nearby food providers.
S:US also provides printable food resource guides for all S:US programs. Find your program’s resource guide through the Urban Farms page on the S:US intranet.
Food Hotlines
866-888-8777 (or call 311 and say “Get Food”)
USDA National Hunger Hotline |
866-3-HUNGRY (or 877-8-HAMBRE for Spanish speakers)
Other Food Resources
NYC Food Policy Center
Neighborhood food resource guides from the NYC Food Policy Center at Hunter College.
God's Love We Deliver
Neighborhood food resource guides from the NYC Food Policy Center at Hunter College.
Resource Maps
Get Food NYC
A map of food resources from the NYC Office of Emergency Management that includes: DoE Grab-and-Go meals sites; food pantries/mobile food pantries; soup kitchens/mobile soup kitchens; Greenmarkets/farm stands/fresh food boxes; and grocery stores.
Food Bank for NYC
A map of all Food Bank for New York City members that includes: food pantries/mobile food pantries; soup kitchens/mobile soup kitchens; Food Bank home delivery programs; and Food Bank senior services.
City Harvest
A map of free food resources that includes: soup kitchens; food pantries; City Harvest Mobile Markets and emergency food distribution sites; NYC DoE Grab-and-Go meal sites; and NYC restaurants offering free food.
Learning Center
Food Security 101: Understanding Food Security
What is food security? This video explains four fundamental components of food security and how they work together to produce a strong and resilient food system. Length 5:31
Food Assistance 101: SNAP & Other Programs
From national benefits like SNAP to local initiatives like Health Bucks, this video will review some of the food assistance programs available to New Yorkers. Length 5:22.
NYC Food Sources: Access & Challenges
This video reviews some of New York’s core food sources and how challenges can arise in accessing them. Length 9:35.
Other Learning Resources
United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization | E-Learning Academy
Free online courses on food and nutrition security ranging from sustainable agriculture, to environmental justice, to technical tools for food security.
NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene | Food Protection Certification
Free online food protection course that meets the training requirements for supervisors and workers in food services in NYC. The course is a prerequisite to the Food Protection Certification exam (also available online for a $24 fee).
DisasterReady.org | Food Security & Nutrition Trainings
Free online courses developed in partnership with leading humanitarian and global development organizations to train nonprofit professionals.
Free Online University Courses
Security Resources
Holding space for sharing S:US food security research tools, data/reports, interventions/initiatives.
Food Security Assistance
Access NYC
Provides a one-stop, web-based platform to determine eligibility and apply for benefit programs, including SNAP/Food Stamps and WIC.
NYC HRC SNAP Benefits Page
Detailed, downloadable documentation on SNAP/Food Stamp benefits, including a printable application form, information on recertification of benefits, helpline contacts, and SNAP/Food Stamp brochures.
Health Bucks
Did you know that for every $2 spent at a NYC farmers' market using SNAP, you can receive an additional $2 for farmers' market purchases? Organizations can also request Health Bucks as an incentive for participating in nutrition programs or other wellness activities.
Cooking & Nutrition
S:US Digital Cookbook
Holding space for sharing S:US community recipes for nutritious and delicious meals prepared together. Can eventually assemble into menu plans with rotating recipes, grocery shopping guides, nutrition facts, and make-along videos.
Other Cooking &
Nutrition Resources
USDA | Basic Nutrition
Information, tools, and printable materials on adult nutrition from the US Department of Agriculture.
CDC | Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight
Guide on healthy eating planning, including the CDC Dietary Guidelines for Americans publication and a template food diary.
Bellevue | Plant-Based Lifestyle Medicine Program
Education, coaching, and support program that uses plant-based diets to assist with wellness goals.