Food Assistance Programs

Making ends meet during difficult times can be easier with help from the right programs and other community resources. Cornell Cooperative Extension works with many local food assistance programs to help families, individuals and seniors find and access food resources that best meet their needs.

Local Programs:

Foodbank of CNY - https://foodbankcny.org/  

Click "Find Food" on the top of this web page link to find food in your area.

The following local organizations list food pantries and community meals at various locations in Onondaga County.
Food Bank of Central NY
FoodPantries.org lists Syracuse area pantries
Onondaga Re-Entry Task Force

Meals on Wheels
Find out about Senior Dining Sites and Meals on Wheels programs in Onondaga County on the Onondaga County Aging Services website.

Food Bank of Central NY distributes food and other grocery products to more than 365 member agencies that then serve people in need, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other hunger relief organizations. Visit their website here to view more.

Fresh Food Sites - The Fresh Foods program salvages food that would otherwise be discarded and offers individuals in need the opportunity to receive nutritious food, in their neighborhood. Fresh Foods distributions are open to all individuals in need of food. All food must be given away in a fair and non-discriminatory way. There is no fee or requirement to work in exchange for receiving food.

Summer Lunch Sites - Meals are provided to all children 18 years and under without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the programs and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

State & National Programs:

MyBenefits.Gov - New York State residents can visit this web site to find out if you are eligible for help through SNAP (formerly Food Stamps), Nutrition Education, Temporary Assistance, HEAP, WIC, School Meals and Summer Meal Programs.

SNAP / (formerly Food Stamp) benefits help low-income working people, seniors, the disabled and others feed their families. The USDA’s SNAP-Ed connection web site provides great tips and resources. Choose from: Healthy Eating on a Budget, 10 Steps to Help fill your grocery bag, Ways to Manage Your Food Dollars and MORE at: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/nutrition-education/nutrition-education-materials/eat-right-when-moneys-tight

The SNAP-to-Marketwebsite helps you find NY Farmers' Markets where you can use your SNAP benefits (formerly Food Stamps) and explains how to make Farmers' Market purchases with them. You'll also find information on when fruits and vegetables are in-season at your market, and recipes to use with produce you buy.

WIC - the Women, Infants & Children’s Supplemental Food Program provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to community services for low-income pregnant and post-partum women and their children under five years of age. Breastfeeding support is available. Find out if you are eligible for WIC, see a schedule of monthly WIC clinics in locations around Onondaga County, and other WIC resources on this website. Onondaga County WIC office located at 375 W. Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13204 , 315-435-3304.

Our educational program series and lessons help families and households to stretch their food dollars to make healthier choices and eat better for less! Our Eat Smart New York! Program helps individuals and families who have limited resources to gain the knowledge and skills to make healthier food and activity choices.

Last updated November 30, 2023