The Benefits Outreach program helps pantries and kitchens enable their clients to obtain benefits that support employment, boost the city's economy, and bolster food and economic security. Our program trains agencies and volunteers to provide outreach for a variety of public assistance and work support programs and occasionally organizes direct outreach to families and individuals.

Our services cover programs including:

• Food stamps - A federal program that gives low-income people supplemental money specifically for food.
• Medicaid - A government program that helps low-income people pay for medical care.
• Family Health Plus - A program that provides health insurance for adults under the age of 65 who do not have any other health insurance and who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid.
• Supplemental Security Income - A federal welfare program that pays cash benefits to adults who meet all the requirements of the program.
• Earned Income Tax Credit - A special tax benefit for people who work full- or part-time. The credit either reduces the amount of tax owed or provides a refund if taxes are not owed. There is both a federal and state tax credit.

To request benefits outreach help for your feeding program or organization, or to participate in one of our special projects, contact Benefits Outreach Coordinator Jim Wengler at 212-825-0028 x218.