STAY Resource Library
Facing Food Insecurity? Where to Find Food Resources in the Capital Region
Food insecurity does not always mean having nothing to eat. It can mean skipping meals, reducing portions, relying on inexpensive foods, running out of groceries before payday, or not knowing whether you will be able to afford enough food next week.
The USDA defines food insecurity as limited or uncertain access to adequate food. It can affect individuals and families at any income level—especially when rent, utilities, transportation, health care, and other necessities consume most of a household's income.
Asking for food assistance is not a personal failure. These resources exist to help individuals and families meet an essential need while protecting the rest of their stability.
If You Need Food Right Away
Dial 2-1-1 to speak directly with a resource navigator who can help locate food pantries, community meals, and other assistance near you.
You can also search for resources through 2-1-1 Northeast Region. The service covers Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and surrounding counties.
Find a Nearby Food Pantry or Community Meal
The Regional Food Bank of the Northeastern New York maintains a searchable directory of food pantries and soup kitchens throughout the region.
The Food Bank also lists scheduled neighborhood food distributions:
Apply for SNAP
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, commonly called SNAP, provides monthly benefits that can be used to purchase eligible groceries.
New York residents can check their potiential eligibility and apply through myBenefits or contact their local county Department of Social Services.
If the application feels overwhelming, free help is available. The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program can help you:
Determine whether you may be eligible
Identify the documents you need
Complete and submit your application
Understand other programs that may help your household
Call or text the Hunger Solutions New York SNAP Helpline at 844-366-3435 or reach out to Stability Through Advocacy, and a member of our team will reach out to assist you.
You do not have to wait until your situation becomes an emergency to ask whether you qualify.
Food Support for Pregnant Women and Young Children
The New York State WIC Program provides eligible pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants, and children under age five with nutritious foods, nutritional support, breastfeeding assistance, and referrals.
Parents, grandparents, foster parents, and other caregivers may apply for an eligible child in their care.
Learn about WIC and how to apply, or call the Growing Up Healthy hotline at 1-800-522-5006.
Summer Food Benefits for Children
New York's Summer EBT program provides eligible school-age children with food benefits for summer months. Many eligible children receive the benefit automatically, while some families must submit an application.
For 2026, the benefit is $120 for each eligible child, and applications are being accepted through September 8, 2026.
Because this program is seasonal, families should review the New York State website for the current deadline and benefit information.
You Can Use More Than One Resource
Receiving SNAP does not necessarily prevent someone from using a food pantry. A household may also be eligible for WIC, school meals, Summer EBT, senior nutrition programs, or community food distributions.
Food needs also change. Someone may need assistance after:
Losing a job or having work hours reduced
Moving into housing and paying deposits or startup expenses
Experiencing an illness or disability
Losing SNAP benefits or waiting for an application decision
Facing an unexpected rent, utility, transportation, or medical expense
Leaving shelter, hospitalization, incarceration, or an unsafe situation
Using available resources can free up limited income for rent, medications, transportation, utilities, and other necessities.
Food Access is Part of Housing Stability
Food insecurity rarely occurs by itself. The same household may also be struggling with rent, benefits, transportation, health care, identification documents, or access to services.
Stability Through Advocacy, Inc. (STAY) helps individuals and households navigate barriers affecting housing and overall stability. We provide person-centered resource navigation, advocacy, warm referrals, practical assistance, and follow-through so that people are not left to navigate complicated systems alone.
If you are unsure where to begin, contact STAY for help identifying resources in your community.
This resource was updated September 5, 2026. Program availability, eligibility requirements, and schedules may change. Contact the program directly for the most current information.