The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) is closely monitoring the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent announcement that it will not issue November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Unless reversed, this decision will impact millions of families across New York State, including many in our community.
We understand that access to food is essential for student well-being, readiness to learn, and family stability. At the ICSD, we are committed to supporting every student.
Community Resources
Beyond the district, many community partners continue to offer food support for local families:
211 Tompkins/Cortland – 211 connects people who have questions about or are in need of any type of service, including employment, housing, health care, mental health, food, and childcare. To contact 211, dial 2-1-1 (or 1-877-211-8667) on your phone. You can also reach 211 by text, email, or online chat.
Human Services Coalition - Find food pantry and hot meal schedules at hsctc.org/211food.
Mutual Aid Tompkins – Community members have set up outdoor food cabinets across Tompkins County. These cabinets are regularly stocked with non-perishable food and are open to anyone. Locations and schedules are available at mutualaidtompkins.com/food-sharing/locations.
Enfield Food Pantry – 182 Enfield Main Rd., Ithaca. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 9–11 a.m.
Impact Ithaca - Tompkins County food resource guides by area, available at impactithaca.com/tompkins-county-food-resource-guides.
Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – Salvation Army, 150 N. Albany St., Ithaca. Open multiple days each week.
Food Bank of the Southern Tier – Find mobile food pantries and local partners at foodbankst.org.
Loaves and Fishes of Tompkins County – Free community meals at St. John’s Church, 210 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY.
Tompkins Community Action Pantry – 701 Spencer Rd., Ithaca. Order online at tcaction.org or call (607) 273-8816.
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) will notify SNAP households of the status of November benefits by November 1 via the OTDA website, NYC ACCESS HRA, myBenefits, the ebtEDGE app, and text message. Updates are available at otda.ny.gov.
Food Access Within the ICSD
Free School Meals for All
All ICSD students have access to free, healthy breakfast and lunch at school each day, through the district’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision. No application is required.
In-House Food Pantries
Several ICSD schools maintain in-house food pantries that provide groceries and household items for students and families:
Ithaca High School (Community Closet)
Beverly J. Martin Elementary School (available during school hours or by appointment)
Boynton Middle School
Caroline Elementary School
Enfield Elementary School
Most ICSD schools have on-site support for students and families experiencing food insecurity, including access to food, hygiene items, and direct connection to community resources. Families are encouraged to contact their school’s social worker, counselor, or main office for confidential assistance accessing these resources.
Continuing Nutrition Programs
At this time, school meals, Summer EBT, WIC, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program are operating as usual.
We know this uncertainty is difficult, and we remain committed to ensuring every student has access to the nutrition and care they need to thrive at school and at home.