Food Security Resources
The following resources are not affiliated with the University or the Center for Student Success and Intervention. The Associate Director of Food Pantry Operations and Partnerships and the Student Support team intend for this resource guide to be utilized to connect students to resources within the larger community. If you have any questions regarding any of the resources listed, please feel free to send an email to [email protected] or complete the Student Support Referral Form.
Important Information to Know About SNAP
Once the federal government shutdown ends or other federal funding is provided, all SNAP households will be issued all of the benefits they missed. In the meantime, EBT cards will still work, and any benefits on your EBT card can continue to be used to shop for food at all SNAP authorized retailers and farmers markets.
It is important that all SNAP households continue to complete all SNAP requirements including recertifications, returning periodic reports, and reporting changes, even during the federal government shutdown.
Please note Columbia University is not affiliated with, nor does it explicitly endorse, any of the organizations listed.
To continue to follow SNAP updates, please follow this link.
Food Pantries
Offering free groceries on Mondays and Saturdays containing 2 pounds of white rice, vegetables, fruit, and bread. No identification is needed to receive services.
Offering nutritious food for the household or family for three days. Each customer will receive approximately 32 lbs of healthy food, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
Offering free groceries on a monthly basis for the household, including proteins, produce and shelf-stable items with a reservation through Plentiful. Disbursements occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Offering 3 days worth of free groceries specifically for college and graduate students on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. No identification is necessary.
Community Fridges
Soup Kitchens and Warm Meals
Other Helpful Resources
Too Good to Go: Food waste company that connects users to 50% off groceries and meals from participating restaurants and stores. Can be used any time of day and on the weekend. Restaurants and grocery stores will indicate what time you need to arrive in order to pick up your items.
Food Pantries Food Connect Map: Food security resources such as community meals, soup kitchens, senior meals, and mobile food resources are searchable by county.
LemonTree: Sign up with your phone number in order to receive text updates and personalized resources ranging from free groceries, hot meals and soup kitchens and assistance navigating public benefits such as SNAP. Services are free and confidential.
National Hunger Hotline: The hotline is a resource for individuals and families seeking information on how to obtain food. The National Hunger Hotline staff connects callers with emergency food providers in their community, government assistance programs, and various social services.
City Harvest: City Harvest offers a food map where you are able to view soup kitchens, food pantries, mobile markets and community partner distributions near your local area.
Harlem Grown Farm Stand: Fresh and free produce offered in various Harlem locations on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. First come, first served basis.
Connect with Us:
Email us at [email protected] or Submit a Student Support Referral Form
Reports are reviewed by our team and your school to make sure you receive the support you need.