Get Food Stamps Now
If you need help buying food, you are not alone. Thousands of New Yorkers are reaching out for help in this tough economy. For them, the federal Food Stamp Program is a simple, dependable way to buy food in times like these. Food stamps can be just as reliable for you, too. And as the major hunger relief organization for the five boroughs, the Food Bank For New York City works hard to connect eligible New Yorkers to food stamps, a key piece of the public safety net.
For assistance finding out if you are eligible for food stamps, click here to skip to the appropriate section.
You can also help other New Yorkers who may be having trouble affording food. Groups that are often difficult to reach include families struggling to afford food, recently unemployed, seniors and people with disabilities. If you know someone in these or any other groups who you think may need help, please refer them to the Food Bank For New York City.
To find out if you are eligible, call our Food Stamp Information Line (212-894-8060). The Food Stamp Information Line is open Monday–Friday, 9am–4:30pm. Once you call, Food Bank benefits specialists will conduct a short food stamp pre-screenings — a short, free and confidential interview to determine if you or your family are eligible for food stamps. In addition to the Information Line, the Food Bank supports dozens of sites citywide where trained food stamp specialists conduct in-person pre-screenings.
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(212) 894-8060
The Food Bank also offers in-person application assistance using an electronic process that is the easiest and fastest way to submit a food stamp application. After a pre-screening is conducted, If you or your family is determined to be eligible for food stamps, our specialists will put you in contact with one of our application assistance sites.
To have additional questions answered now, browse our FAQs below.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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I own a home and have money in the bank. Could I still be eligible for food stamps?
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Yes. The Food Stamp Program provides assistance based on income. It does not count your
home as a resource. You can also have money in the bank and still
qualify for food stamps. |
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Where can I use food stamps?
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Most everywhere. You can use food stamps at participating supermarkets,
bodegas, farmer's markets and co-ops. Food Stamps actually help your
community by bringing federal money into these local businesses. |
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Is it hard to apply for food stamps?
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Not at all. If you need additional help there are programs in the
community that can assist you in completing and submitting your
application. Check back on this web page soon for a list of community-based sites supported by the Food Bank's Food Stamp Training & Advocacy Program. You might even be able to conduct your application
interview over the phone. For more information call Food Bank's Food
Stamp Information Line (212-894-8060).
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How do I use food stamps?
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Using food stamps is easy and discreet. Just shop for your
food, go to the checkout and pay with your food stamp debit card.
Note for immigrants: Many immigrants who were not eligible before can
now get food stamps. If you are an immigrant who is not eligible, you
can still apply on behalf of your eligible children. Applying will not
affect your immigration status.
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