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.

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Local Programs:

Daily Food Pantries - The Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York is a great resource to find something close to you in Franklin County.  Click the link and enter your zip code!

Community Connections Franklin County -Emergency Food Packages available.  he food in the box is being purchased from local farms and prepared and delivered using paid, local labor at the Hub on the Hill in Essex, New York. Families in need are being screened and selected by local agencies. We currently have the capacity to serve Essex, Clinton, and Franklin Counties. (518) 521-3507

Office of the Aging, Franklin County- Provides home-delivered meals to Seniors (60+)  Franklin County, 355 W Main St Malone NY 12953, (518)481-1526.  Adult Center locations are currently closed.

Adirondack Harvest - Many businesses are adjusting their workflow quickly to offer safe access to local food. This resource page is designed to help you navigate the diverse array of local food businesses in the Adirondacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Not seeing something you’re looking for? Check out our full directory to find contact information for the local food purveyor you would like more information from.

Hunger Solutions New York -SNAP helps New Yorkers buy food. If you are eligible for SNAP, you can get monthly benefits to spend at local grocery stores and farmers’ markets. To be eligible, you must meet certain income requirements. The amount of benefits you receive depends on things like your household size, income and expenses.  The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) can help you see if you may be eligible for SNAP. NOEP Coordinators help you gather the documents you need, and fill out and send in your SNAP application. You’ll also get information on other programs that may help stretch your food budget, like school meals and summer meals for kids. The service is free and confidential.

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State & National Programs:

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: http://snap.nal.usda.gov/resource-library/eat-right-when-moneys-tight . 

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. Find out if you are eligible for WIC, see a schedule of monthly WIC clinics in locations around Tompkins County, and other WIC resources on this website. Franklin County, 355 W Main St Malone. NY 12953.

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 December 18, 2023