No one in our community should go hungry. United Way of the Mohawk Valley created this fund to help local food pantries and meal programs meet the growing demand caused by SNAP benefit delays and the ongoing federal government shutdown.

In partnership with the Food Bank of Central New York, the fund provides rapid support for food, baby formula, diapers, and emergency meal supplies, ensuring families have what they need when it matters most.

• The Backpack Program – Distributes 500 boxes of food to Utica City School District students during each extended school break.
• 211 Navigation Services – Connects residents directly to local resources for food, housing, and utilities.
• Ride United Transportation Program – Provides free Lyft rides to help residents access food pantries, healthcare, and employment.
• Mini Grant Series – Supports local nonprofits that provide essential services across Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

Your support ensures families across the Mohawk Valley have access to nutritious food all year long. Donations to the Emergency Food Response Fund help food pantries and meal programs respond immediately to community needs. Visit this link www.unitedwaymv.org/donate or click the button below to give, and under “Donation Type,” select “Emergency Food Response Fund.”

The Emergency Food Response Fund Agency Application provides rapid-response lines of credit to agencies serving residents of Oneida and Herkimer Counties affected by SNAP delays and the federal government shutdown.

Funds are distributed through the Food Bank of Central New York to help agencies purchase approved food and essential nutrition items. No direct payments will be issued to agencies.

Agencies can apply online here uwmvemergencyfrf.paperform.co or by clicking the button below:

For questions or additional information, contact Sarah Macri at sarahm@unitedwaymv.org or call (680) 323-1141.