Food Assistance in Oneida and Herkimer Counties
Food pantries, community meals, SNAP, WIC and senior meals in Oneida and Herkimer counties, with sources.
Last reviewed: October 10, 2026
This guide lists food pantries, free meals and food benefit programs in Oneida and Herkimer counties. Hours change, so call ahead when you can. Every item links to the official or nonprofit source it came from.
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Food pantries in Herkimer County
From Herkimer County's Emergency Food Programs list (revised August 2025). Bring proof of address and ID for household members.
Dolgeville Food Pantry
Frankfort/Ilion Food Pantry (Catholic Charities)
Kuyahoora Valley Food Pantry
Call the pantry number only during open hours; at other times call 315-941-4708.
Little Falls Food Pantry
New Hope Christian Fellowship Food Cupboard
Richfield Springs Food Pantry
Salvation Army Food Pantry (Herkimer)
St. Bartholomew's Food Pantry
West Winfield Food Pantry
Van Hornesville/Jordanville Food Pantry
Food pantries in Oneida County
From 211 Mid-York and the Utica City School District's pantry list. Hours change often, so call before you go.
Dr. Alap A. Butala Food Pantry (Rescue Mission of Utica)
Food package once a week (15 meals per person).
Rescue Mission Food Pantry (Rome Rescue Mission)
Food pantry for individuals in need.
Foothills Food Pantry (Foothills Rural Community Ministry)
Once a month, about 5 days of food.
Fresh Food Program (Church of the Holy Family)
Fresh produce, bread and sometimes meat for those in need.
Trinity United Methodist Church Community Cupboard
Food cupboard with 24/7 access.
Helping Hands Food Pantry (Boonville Methodist Church)
Food pantry for individuals in need.
Rome Food Pantry (Catholic Charities of Oneida/Madison County)
Food pantry; dog and cat food and cat litter when available.
Salvation Army of Utica Food Pantry
Once a month, about 3 days of food.
Utica Food Pantry
Closed when Utica city schools close for hazardous weather.
St. Clare's Cupboard at Thea Bowman House
Seeds of Hope Food Pantry (First Presbyterian Church)
Feed Our Vets (veterans only)
St. John's Outreach Food Pantry (Mary Theresa Outreach Center)
St. Margaret's Food Pantry at Grace Church
Johnson Park Center
Free community meals and other food help
Herkimer Reformed Church community meals
Also hosts a community fridge.
Ilion Presbyterian Church meals
Salvation Army dine-in dinners and gleaning (Herkimer)
Gleaning program is open to all Herkimer County residents.
Free Fresh Foods Program (King's Provision)
Free to anyone.
Food Sense co-op (Catholic Charities of Herkimer County)
Monthly food-buying co-op through the Food Bank of CNY, open to everyone. Orders in person with cash or SNAP, or online by credit card.
Find more food sites
Food Bank of Central New York — Food Finder
The regional food bank's map of partner pantries and meal sites. Search by address or ZIP for current hours.
211 Mid-York
Dial 2-1-1 for help finding food, housing and other services in Oneida and Herkimer counties.
Apply for SNAP
Oneida County DSS — Utica office (SNAP)
Call or walk in for an application and appointment. Phone interviews are available.
Oneida County DSS — Rome office (temporary location)
Help filing online in Oneida County
Mohawk Valley Community Action (315-624-0821) and the Food Bank of CNY (1-866-839-7304) offer appointments for help with online applications.
Herkimer County DSS — SNAP
Main DSS number 315-867-1291. Apply in person, by mail or online at myBenefits.
myBenefits (apply online)
New York's online application for SNAP and other benefits.
WIC for pregnant women, new mothers and young children
WIC — Utica office
Tri-County WIC (Community Action Partnership of Madison County).
WIC — Rome office
Tri-County WIC (Community Action Partnership of Madison County).
WIC — Ilion office (serves Herkimer County)
Tri-County WIC (Community Action Partnership of Madison County).
Meals for older adults
Oneida County Senior Nutrition Program
Home-delivered frozen meals for frail, homebound people 60+ (suggested donation $2.75 per meal), delivered one day a week. Congregate meals need a reservation 24 hours ahead (suggested donation $2.25 for 60+).
50 Forward Center – Parkway (dining site)
Perretta Twin Towers (dining site)
Jason Gwilt Memorial Senior Apartments (dining site)
Whitestown Community Center (dining site)
Herkimer County Meals on Wheels and community meals
Home-delivered meals countywide (suggested $3 contribution). Congregate meal sites in West Winfield, Dolgeville, Little Falls, Herkimer and Ilion, 10:30 am–1:00 pm; reserve one business day ahead. $3 suggested for 60+, $7.50 for under 60. Contact the Herkimer County Office for the Aging to sign up.
Free summer meals for kids
Free for anyone 18 and under during summer break. Sites and dates are posted each year.
Utica City School District summer meals
Free lunches at about 15 Utica sites, including MLK, Watson Williams, Columbus, General Herkimer, Jones and Kernan elementary schools, Kennedy Plaza and Lincoln Park. Children must be present to get a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to apply for SNAP in person in Herkimer County?
No. Applications may be filed by mail, online at myBenefits, or by an authorized representative.
SourceHow long does SNAP take?
Up to 30 days from the application date. Households in urgent need may get expedited benefits within 5 calendar days if they qualify.
SourceIs there an income limit for senior meals in Herkimer County?
No. Meals on Wheels is based on need, and congregate meals are open to anyone 60 or older.
Source