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:

FeedMore WNY  (formerly FoodBank of Western New York and Meals on Wheels WNY) distributes food and other grocery products to a network of over 300 member agencies and individuals in need.  They also offer a Mobile Food Pantry, student Backpack and School Pantry food programs, nutrition education and community garden support. Learn more at: https://www.foodbankwny.org/

211 is a free and confidential link to health and human services in western New York. You can dial 211 from any phone, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. http://www.211wny.org/

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:http://snap.nal.usda.gov/resource-library/eat-right-when-moneys-tight .

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.

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.Find out if you are eligible for WIC, see a schedule of monthly WIC clinics in locations around Niagara County, and other WIC resources on this website.

Last updated March 27, 2020