Food Assistance Resources

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:

Schenectady- Schenectady Inner City Ministry (SICM) maintains a list of meal programs and food pantries in Schenectady County.

Albany, Saratoga and Rensselaer- The Food Pantries for the Capital District is a coalition of 53 food pantries working together to feed the hungry. To find the food pantry that serves your address, please call their office Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30 at (518) 458-1167 and have your current address on hand when you call.

MyBenefits.Gov - New York State residents can visit this web site to find out if they 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 income-eligible individuals, 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

The SNAP-to-Market website 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.

Our Capital Region Eat Smart New York Program helps families and households learn how to stretch their food dollars to make healthier choices and eat better for less!

Last updated January 27, 2020