Where SNAP recipients can find food banks and other resources

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Here's where to look for alternative resources for people who receive SNAP benefits, or food stamps, and how you can help recipients.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting Nov. 1 because it said it could no longer keep funding it due to the shutdown. The program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nation's social safety net.

More than 42 million low-income Americans who rely on SNAP benefits, including 16 million children, are impacted.

Food pantries provide about 1 meal to every 9 provided by SNAP, according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. They get the food they distribute through donations from people, businesses and some farmers. They also get food from U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and sometimes buy food with contributions and grant funding.

As the legal battle over SNAP benefits continues, at least nine states, including New York and New Jersey, had already begun issuing SNAP benefits under the direction of the federal agency that operates SNAP.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which operates SNAP, told states Friday (11/7) that it was working toward paying full November SNAP benefits.

Where to find a local food bank or pantry

From community stocked fridges to restaurant-backed food rescue sites, here are a handful of places dedicated to helping at-risk Americans stay fed.

City Harvest

"At City Harvest, we know from experience that even a single missed paycheck or delayed benefit can force families to seek food assistance," Stephens told ABC News. "We have been distributing food at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, and near LaGuardia and JFK airports to support federal workers impacted by the shutdown."

City Harvest has added distributions through food pantry partners in areas with high numbers of SNAP recipients.

"As the government shutdown continues, even more of our fellow New Yorkers could find themselves in need of food assistance. No matter what happens in the weeks to come, City Harvest is committed to being here rescuing and delivering as much food as we can for anyone in our city who needs it," Stephens said.

Click here for a city-wide map to locate free distribution sites that include soup kitchens, community fridges and food pantries around the New York area.

St. John the Divine Church

The church, located at 1047 Amsterdam Ave. at 112th Street gave out 200-300 grocery store gift cards on Sunday morning. Church officials say they fear the need is growing as SNAP benefit cuts continue. They are looking for donations so more gift cards can go out. CLICK HERE for more info on how to help.

Feeding America

To find a local food bank from the vast Feeding America network of local partners, enter a zip code on Feeding America's website.

"If you are navigating challenges, your efforts to care for yourself and your loved ones are seen and respected. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not shame," the CEO, Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, told ABC News. "These resources exist because communities care about one another -- local food banks and church pantries are there for everyone who needs them, whether for a few days or longer. No one should have to face hunger alone."

Food Bank for New York City

Food Bank for New York City also has a resource to find a food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile pantries across the five boroughs.

FoodFinder

The nationwide free-to-use resource and nonprofit helps connect people in need to nearby food pantries across the U.S. Click here to find a location near you.

Freedge

For those worried about getting food on the table, this nonprofit sharing resource points to a network of community refrigerators stocked and cared for by communities that are available 24/7 to anyone.

Click here to locate a community fridge or share the map with Americans who may be in need of finding food assistance.

DoorDash

Meanwhile, DoorDash is launching an Emergency Food Response, including free delivery for Project DASH food bank and food pantry partners nationwide. The food delivery service is also partnering with leading grocers to waive delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 orders for SNAP recipients in November.

Customers who have linked a SNAP/EBT card to their profile can shop on DoorDash at Sprouts, Dollar General, Schnucks, Food Lion, Giant Foods, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, Stop & Shop, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle, and Wegmans and have their delivery and service fees waived on one order.

Project DASH works with over 300 partners nationwide to power delivery on behalf of food banks and pantries.

Gopuff

The on-demand delivery service responded to the ongoing government shutdown by offering SNAP recipients a $50 credit for SNAP-eligible items for free, delivered in as fast as 15 minutes.

In its announcement Tuesday, Gopuff said it will cap the total relief at $10 million.

State Agencies

Some state agencies that oversee SNAP benefits may have other assistance programs available during the shutdown.

Visit these USDA websites to learn more:

Connecticut

New Jersey

New York

New York City

How to help people who may lose SNAP benefits

From food banks to food rescues and community fridges, see where you can donate to help from the list below.

City Harvest

The CEO of the largest food rescue resource in New York City, Jilly Stephens, penned an open letter about the halting of funds for SNAP recipients and in a new statement to ABC News on Wednesday said this expected disruption "would have a devastating impact on the 1.8 million New Yorkers and millions more across the country who rely on this critical program to feed their families."

Click here to donate to the New York-based nonprofit food rescue.

Feeding America

If you want to support the Feeding America network, please go here.

Food Bank for New York City

If you want to support the Food Bank for New York City, please go here.

Food Help NYC

This service provided by the New York City government helps people find locations that offer free food (food pantries and soup kitchens). Hours and locations are subject to change. Visit FoodHelp.nyc for more information.

Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley

Click here to donate to the upstate New York food banks, which serves 307,000 families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities who could be at risk.

Food Recovery Network

For anyone who owns a food business -- or may have extra resources -- donation distribution channels like the Food Recovery Network will help redirect surplus food to those in need.

For restaurants, schools, caterers, grocers and other small-scale donors, click here to learn how to create an account and donate food.

For large-scale industry suppliers like food manufacturers or farmers, click here to set up a donation inquiry.

Mercy Chefs' Feed the Force

Click here to donate directly and contribute to helping feed military families who may be affected by SNAP cuts.

The nonprofit United Way Family Resource Network posted on Facebook, urging followers to consider handing out nonperishables to trick-or-treaters, sharing ideas for the best types of items to hand out, including ramen, microwaveable macaroni and cheese, and pretzels.

"This year with SNAP benefits being cut, it's extremely critical that families are being given access to these foods," Victoria Nottingham, the family resource network manager of Monongalia County, West Virginia, who works under the United Way Family Resource Network, said in an interview with ABC News.

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Some information from the Associated Press and ABC News