NYC Free Food: How to Find Pantries, Hot Meals, and Mobile Markets Near You
No New Yorker should go hungry. If you or a neighbor needs food today, here are the fastest, official ways to find free groceries, hot meals, and mobile markets in all five boroughs.
Hours and addresses can change, so always check the same day before you go.
The 3 fastest ways to find food today
Food Help NYC (official city map)
Type your address and see nearby pantries and soup kitchens. You can view a map or a simple list with hours.
City Harvest Food Map
Shows soup kitchens, pantries, community fridges, and City Harvest Mobile Markets® across all boroughs (hours may change).
Plentiful (app or any phone by text)
Use the app to see accurate hours and even reserve a time so you don’t wait in line.
No smartphone? Text FOOD to 726-879 (PANTRY) to get locations by SMS.
Boroughs covered
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island are all included in the tools above.
Use the maps to find the closest spot today and check the hours before you go.
SNAP help, discounts, and 311
Food Bank For New York City
Food Bank For New York City can help you apply for or renew SNAP (food stamps) and find a pantry in your neighborhood.
Food Bank For NYC — Find Food & SNAP
Health Bucks (farmers markets)
When you use SNAP at NYC farmers markets, you get $2 extra for every $2 you spend (up to $10/day) to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Call 311
Call 311: ask for “Food Resources” or “SNAP help” to get guidance in your language.
Tips before you go
- Bring a cart or sturdy bags if you can. Quantities vary by site and supply.
- If you use Plentiful, check for reservation options to reduce wait time.
- For outdoor Mobile Markets, hours may shift with weather—recheck the map the day of your visit.
If you’re helping a neighbor
Share the three tools above (Food Help NYC, City Harvest Map, Plentiful).
If they don’t use smartphones, tell them to text “FOOD” to 726-879 from any phone.
FAQ
Do I need ID to get food?
Many emergency food sites do not require ID, but policies vary. Check the listing on the map or call ahead.
Can I use SNAP for fresh produce?
Yes. With NYC Health Bucks you get $2 extra for every $2 spent at participating farmers markets (up to $10/day).
I don’t use apps. How can I find a pantry by phone?
Text “FOOD” to 726-879 (PANTRY) to get nearby locations by SMS, or call 311 for food resources and SNAP help.