FOOD RESOURCES
Food Distribution Near Me
Do you need help with food? You’re not alone. Increasing food costs, a reduction in federal SNAP benefits and personal circumstances are stretching food budgets for families and individuals across the Finger Lakes Region.
To speak to a Referral Specialist who can assist you with food resources, dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211. You can also find food programs near you listed below under “Food Help.”
Am I Eligible?
Information provided is for residents of 11 counties in the Finger Lakes Region.
Not all services will be available in all areas. Most programs listed below are free or low cost and available to anyone in need. People will need to meet income guidelines for SNAP and WIC Programs.
Clicking on the links below will open a new tab to the 211 Helpline or 211/Life Line online service directory where you can see program specific information for where you live.
Region 1: Residents of Steuben, Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, or Yates County.
Region 2: Residents of Monroe, Wayne, Seneca, Livingston, Ontario, or Cayuga County.
FOOD HELP
Food Pantries
Free non-perishable food to people in need. Many food pantries also offer personal hygiene items such as soap and shampoo. Some locations are able to deliver within a designated area.
Mobile Food Pantries
Mobile pantries, or pop-up pantries, bring free food and groceries to your community. Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile food pantries change locations. Registration may be required.
After School Meal Programs
Nutritious evening meals for children. Sites are participating after-school programs that serve a snack and/or meal, as well as provide educational and recreational activities for school-age children in a safe, nurturing environment.
Community Meals
Meals are available to anyone in the community who are hungry. Generally sponsored by churches, libraries, or other community organizations and run by volunteers and are available once a week or once a month. Community meals foster companionship and community inclusion.
SNAP Benefits
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), or EBT, is a federal program that provides monthly funds for people to buy the food they need to thrive.
More than 41 million people purchased food with SNAP benefits in 2022. It is the largest program working to fight hunger in America.
Fresh Food
Free fresh food such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and other perishables provided to individuals in need. These programs also offer nutrition education and other activities. Programs are typically part of other programs such as WIC or Kid’s Farmer Markets. Fresh food is also sometimes available at food pantries.
Formula & Baby Food
Programs that provide free baby formula or baby food. These typically include the WIC program and food pantries.
Summer Food Programs
Free meals for kids 18 and younger available at local playgrounds and schools throughout June, July, and August. You may also hear them called free summer meal or lunch programs. Kids and teens can show up during the scheduled meal hours to receive a free meal.
Soup Kitchens
Free hot meals available to anyone in the community who is hungry. Generally sponsored by community organizations and available most days or specific days of the week.
WIC Program
Provides no cost formula, cereal, milk, eggs, peanut butter, fruit and other nutritious foods to children, pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women. Also includes health and nutrition screening and education, breastfeeding education and support, and referrals to other support services.
Meals for Elderly or Disabled
Special programs are available to ensure elderly or disabled people have access to healthy meals. This includes home delivered meals as well as regularly scheduled meal sites for those that can get out into the community. Transportation assistance may also be available to food sites and grocery stores.
Region 1
Region 2
Healthy Eating Programs
Programs that provide information and education on the benefits of healthy eating with the aim of improving health and well-being. In addition to nutrition education, many programs include information to help with food budgeting, recipes and other information to support healthy eating.
Food Budgeting Resources
USDA MyPlate: Includes making a plan, shopping smart, and preparing healthy meals.
USDA MyPlate QR Code: This resource has a QR code link on the website to have the “Shop Simple with MyPlate” resource accessed from your phone. The resource assists in finding local savings on food and tips for buying and preparing budget friendly meals. The tool includes: discovering budget friendly foods, tips on ways to save money, and links to farmers market in your area, SNAP EBT Savings, and budget-friendly recipies.
USDA WIC Works Resource System: “Eat Right When Money’s Tight” handout for WIC participants.
USDA “Explore Resources”: Over 175 nutrition education resources.
Contact Us
This resource is made available through the Steuben Rural Health Network between 211 Helpline of the Finger Lakes, 2-1-1/Life Line and our community partners:
Pivital Public Health Partnership and, Steuben County Public Health, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, and SMART Steuben.
Click on the logos below to be directed to organization’s Facebook page.
More Help
Find More Services
Reducing Childhood Obesity Resources
Transportation Help
"How To" Update Agency Information
Region 1
"How To" Update Agency Information
Region 2