The Food Bank for New York City conducts pre-screenings to assess eligibility and enroll residents in food stamps/SNAP. The Food Bank offers access to trained professionals who provide detailed information and answer questions.
Their food stamp information call center is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., at 212.894.8060. You can also check for eligibility and/or apply for food stamps/SNAP yourself online.
Expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed by President Joseph R. Biden on March 11, 2021, extends increases to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) maximum allotments from July 1 through September 30, 2021. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 raised maximum allotments to 115 percent of the June 2020 value of the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) from January 1 through June 30, 2021.
Certain work and eligibility requirements that may have previously blocked your eligibility for this food assistance program have been removed. If the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on your current academic year FAFSA is zero, you may be eligible under the expansion of federal SNAP benefits. These temporary rules are in place as long as the federal emergency remains in effect.
More information about student SNAP eligibility can be found on the USDA website. New York City SNAP information can be found on the city’s website or by calling 718.557.1399.