Food is one of humanity’s oldest expressions of joy and connection. It tells our stories, sustains our bodies, and binds our communities together. As SNAP benefits come to an end this week for 42 million Americans, we are reminded that access to food—something so fundamental to life and culture—remains unequal for too many.

At the Museum of Food and Drink, we believe that food should be a source of joy and sustenance, not a worry. This moment calls on all of us to uphold the spirit of sharing that defines so many food traditions. Support your local food pantry, community fridge, or neighborhood mutual aid group. Share a meal, lend a hand, purchase groceries for a family in need, or extend an invitation for a meal.

When we share food, we share care. Together, we can ensure that the table remains a place of dignity, generosity, and belonging for everyone.

Below are resources for New York City and beyond for those who are at risk of losing SNAP benefits and those who would like to help food insecure families. If you are aware of other resources and would like us to share, please write to us.

• The Food Bank for NYC has a Find Food map that displays pantries, mobile pantries, breakfast, lunch and dinner services; 

• City Harvest also had a food map, which includes soup kitchens, food pantries, community fridges, mobile markets and community partner distributions; 

• FIND HELP is a website dedicated to helping people find social services across a spectrum of needs including food aid;

• To find your closest food bank, visit Feeding America's food bank locator and enter your ZIP code;
  
  

• Visit Money Management International to better prepare your household if you are about to lose your SNAP benefits; 

• In New York City, the culinary bookstore and community hub Archestratus is taking donations of shelf-stable food for food pantries. Recommendations for donated items include pasta, rice, canned vegetables and beans, snacks, and baby formula. Please remember that monetary donations will always go further to feed families in need;
  
  

• MOFAD is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn.  The local charter school in our neighborhood, Community Roots Charter School, is working directly with student families who will be losing their SNAP benefits.  If you would like to support a family directly by helping them purchase groceries via a gift card, you may do so here.  
  
  

• Rethink Food partners with local restaurants and community-based organizations to provide meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. They will be doubling or even tripling food production over the coming weeks. Because their board of directors covers our operating costs, 100% of your donation goes towards providing meals to communities.