Growing up as the child of an immigrant mother in Queens, I remember what it meant to struggle and to stretch every dollar. My mom worked multiple jobs, caring for four kids and at times younger siblings or neighbors in need, and still somehow made sure we had food on the table. SNAP benefits weren’t just a line item—they were a lifeline. They were at times the only guarantee that we’d get a taste of “American” food: cereal in the morning, pasta for dinner, and my personal favorite, cans of creamed corn.
We didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving like other families, but I still remember one year, my middle school history teacher knocked on our door with a Thanksgiving care box. I had dropped off two cans of beans at school earlier that week, I realized I was a family in need—something it had never occurred to me before. This realization left me both embarrassed and deeply grateful. It was a simple act, but it reminded me of the power of community, of neighbors looking out for one another.
That memory comes back now as we face another challenge: SNAP benefits are being reduced, and many Queens families are wondering how they’ll make ends meet. But just as my family was supported then, our borough has countless ways to step in and help today.
How You Can Help
In times like these, it can feel daunting to know how to help or where to start. There are many ways to provide hands-on support to families, and here are just a few examples—then you can download the full PDF for a complete list of organizations and programs across Queens.
Donate to Food Banks
- Food Bank for New York City: The largest hunger-relief organization in NYC, serving all five boroughs. Every dollar you donate helps provide fresh groceries and culturally relevant foods to hundreds of families.
Volunteer at Food Pantries
- Queens Community House (QCH): Provides weekly grocery boxes, fresh produce distributions, and guidance for families navigating SNAP reductions. Volunteers and donors can help with groceries, personal care items, and meal programs.
Support Mutual Aid Networks
- Sunnyside & Woodside Mutual Aid: A neighborhood volunteer network delivering vegetables, groceries, and essentials directly to neighbors in need. They operate on a “take what you need, give what you can” model.
Be a Grocery Buddy
- Use your local Buy Nothing group to connect with a grocery buddy, take a SNAP recipient shopping, or provide funds to help meet monthly grocery needs.
Backpack Meal Programs
- Some schools run weekend or holiday programs offering free groceries to students from low-income families. Contact your local school to see how you can help keep these programs going.
Community & Resettlement Support
- New Neighbors Partnership: Pairs newly arrived refugee and asylum-seeking families with local families for mutual aid, providing food, clothing, and community support.
Mental Health Support
- NAMI Queens/Nassau: Provides peer-led mental health education, support groups, and counseling to help families manage the stress of food insecurity.
💛 Every Act of Kindness Makes a Difference
These are just a few ways to support your neighbors in Queens. For a full list of organizations and resources, download our complete guide here: Download the Queens SNAP Resource PDF.
We are stronger together.
Every Act of Kindness Counts
Food insecurity isn’t just about missing a meal—it’s about the stress, worry, and uncertainty families feel every day. Your donation, volunteer hours, or even sharing this list can make a tangible difference.
Queens is a borough that shows up for one another. It’s where neighbors check on neighbors, teachers support their kids, and communities step in when families need help. If my story taught me anything, it’s that these small acts of kindness have the power to change a life.
Let’s stand together. Let’s make sure every family in Queens has access to the food, support, and hope they need during this crisis.
Families should check NY OTDA SNAP Updates for the latest information on benefits.
