The Food Card (formerly Food Stamps) ensures that low-income children, families, and older adults can afford to maintain a healthy diet. Western Queens is one of the areas within New York City where many residents are eligible to receive a Food Card to help them feed their families. But many people, especially immigrants, aren't aware that they are eligible for this benefit. The Food Card Access program was established by United Way,

in partnership with Community Food Resource Center, Seedco, and other community organizations, as a pilot project to identify and assist those residents. SCS conducts outreach at busy sites such as supermarkets, banks, post offices, street fairs, and similar locations, to identify community residents (including many immigrants) who are eligible for Food Cards but do not receive this benefit. Multilingual staff prescreen applicants, help them fill out the necessary forms, advise them on required documentation, and, if necessary, accompany them to the government office where they need to apply.

To find out if you may be eligible for the Food Card, and to get help in applying for one, call (718) 784-6173, ext. 442 or 443 (TDD/TTY (800) 662-1220).