FAQs

Organizations like New York Cares and NYC Service can help you find volunteers to help with your regular food distribution service and even with one-off projects, like website design or grant writing. Food Bank For New York City and United Way of NYC also organize volunteer projects for programs within their networks. Please reach out to your contacts at each organization to request assistance with your volunteer project. 

Opportunities to apply for funding for food service equipment will be shared in the “Announcements” section. For recipients of HPNAP funding, equipment may be available on a limited basis to address food safety concerns. Be sure to describe your equipment needs the next time you have a site visit; site monitors can describe the application process and timeframe for fulfillment.  Any site monitor from City Harvest, Food Bank for New York City, United Way of New York City, or Community Food Connection can make a recommendation for equipment. Please note that equipment availability and options may vary across food funders. 

Opportunities to apply for funding for operating costs will be shared in the “Announcements” section. HPNAP eligible food programs may apply for the HPNAP Operations Support Grant through UWNYC, which covers many types of non-food expenses. The annual HPNAP/Nourish application is typically released in mid-April. More information on HPNAP eligibility is described in the Resources section. 

Please submit your request through the contact us form and we will assist you as quickly as possible. 

To report changes to your food program’s compliance or service statistics, you will need to sign into your FeedNYC account. If you do not have your log-in credentials, you can request them through the contact us form. Once logged into the site, you will be able to provide updates about any changes to your food program. 

To be eligible for funding through any Policy Committee members, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Operate a food program located within the five boroughs of New York City;
• Have federal 501 (c) (3) status;
• Have been in operation for at three to six consecutive months;
• Provide food free of charge;
• Meet NYC Department of Health requirements (for soup kitchens)

Note: Additional requirements outlined in the Grants & Funding Eligibility section may apply depending on the individual funding source.

To find out how to apply for funding or support from the Policy Committee members, please reach out to them directly or keep an eye on FeedNYC announcements

Please review the Emergency Food Program (EFP) resources   to find a program convenient to where you live or work. Please call to verify operating hours. Our Provider and Guest Bill s of Rights provide the operating framework for NYC’s 1000+ food pantries and soup kitchens. Pantries and kitchens are required to serve all first-time guests/visitors, but after your first visit, you may need to follow their guidelines for future visits, such as how often you receive food. Please know you will never need to provide your social security number, but pantries may ask to show proof of address and a form of identification. If you feel you were mistreated or pantry/kitchen did not follow the guidelines outlined in the not allowed to receive food, please contact 311 to share your complaint.

Thank you for your interest in starting a pantry/kitchen. Before starting a new food pantry or soup kitchen, we encourage interested groups to explore the existing food programs in their local area. Many neighborhoods already have active programs distributing food, and collaborating with them can be more effective, efficient, and impactful. Please visit https://finder.nyc.gov/foodhelp/ to search the city’s database of food pantries and soup kitchens your organization can volunteer at or support in other ways. If you are a new pantry seeking funds, Policy Committee members welcome applications from 501 c3 nonprofit organizations seeking food and funding for their programs. Please note that pantries and/or kitchens must be in operation for at least 3 to 6 months prior to applying for funding. Additional eligibility requirements and application procedures are described in the Resources section.

Third-parties are invited to submit a Data Request Form  to [email protected]. Once all materials are submitted, the Policy Committee on New York City Hunger Resources will review the request. If approved, the Policy Committee will send a Data Sharing Agreement. Once the signed agreement is received, the data will be compiled and released. Every effort will be made to provide the data within the timeframe requested; however, it may vary depending on the complexity of the request.

Most Soup Kitchen permit renewals can be made online. Check the date on your current permit to ensure you know when it expires. Find specific information on the renewal process at the NYC Health page: Permits and Licenses – NYC Health. United Way, City Harvest, and Food Bank For New York City offer free food safety training certification courses for both food pantries and soup kitchens frequently. Reach out directly to your funders regarding training dates and registration. The NYC Department of Health also offers these courses with a fee associated. Find out more information via this page: NYC Health Academy.