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:

Download our 2015 Food Resource Guide, a 2-page list of local food pantries and meal sites.

Senior Meal Sites & Home Delivered Meals
Call the center closest to you

• Troy: 518-270-5348
• Rensselaer: 518-463-2166
• Schodack: 518-477-6581
• Grafton: 518-279-3413
• Hoosick Falls: 518-686-7561 

Youth Summer Feeding Program
Get info on sites for free summer meals for kids 270-2960

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: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/.

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. Breastfeeding support is available.

At CCE-Rensselaer

Our educational program series and lessons help families and households to stretch their food dollars to make healthier choices and eat better for less! Our Eat Smart New York! Program helps individuals and families who have limited resources to gain the knowledge and skills to make healthier food and activity choices.

Last updated July 26, 2019