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Looking for free admission, free internet and other perks related to NY food stamps or NYC food stamps? A New York food stamps card can do so much more than buy groceries and give you cash benefits. It can also be used for discounted admission, growing a garden and so much more!
Got EBT in another state?
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7 Tips About NY Food Stamps
- Apply for NY food stamps online. Sometimes, we’ll get comments from people who are too nervous to apply in person. The good news is that you can apply online and skip the lines!
- You can buy fruit trees. It’s true! You can buy much more than just groceries. You can buy seeds and produce-bearing plants with your NY food stamps card! You can also buy certain gift baskets and birthday cakes. Here are some other surprising things you can buy with food stamps.
- Shop smart. You may be able to get more food for your money at farmer’s markets and You-Pick Strawberry Fields!
- You may be eligible for more food stamps. We’ve cracked the code on how the food stamps office determines your monthly food stamps allotment… and we’ve discovered ways that you can increase your monthly balance! Learn the trick that 90% of people don’t know about.
- You can get cash back (it’s legal)! With smart shopping techniques, you can put cash back in your pocket when you shop with EBT. Here’s how.
- You can shop at many places. Sure, you can spend your NY food stamps at the grocery store down the street… but you may be able to get better deals from places like Costco, Schwan’s and even Community Supported Agriculture programs! Some retailers, such as Farmer’s Markets, often offer double-up programs where you can get twice as much food as you pay for. Here’s where you can shop with EBT. Some retailers (including farmer’s markets) even give you discounts or free stuff if you shop there with your food stamps card!
- You can use your EBT card in other states! Not only can you shop in other states, you can also get EBT discounts in other states. All of our state lists use green titles to indicate what venues accept out-of-state EBT cards for discounts.
Got NY Food Stamps? You can get discounts and freebies!
We’ve found some incredible EBT discounts in New York. These benefits are available statewide.
50% off Amazon Prime
Amazon is one of my favorite EBT discounts. Your NY food stamps card can help you get free two-day shipping and free streaming access for about half price. Claim your discount now!
$5 Internet
Depending on where you live, you may be able to get discounted Internet from some of these providers. We’ve found around a dozen Internet deals that cost $20 or less – and one starts at just $5/mo! Here’s what you need to know.
FREE Cell Phones & Service
Stop paying for cell phone service! If you have NY food stamps, you likely also qualify for these FREE smartphones and FREE monthly service plans (including data)! Just pick a provider to get started.
FREE Computers
Low income individuals and families may qualify for a new or better computer for free! Try this.
YMCA Discounts
Can’t afford the YMCA’s normal rates? If you’re low income, you may be able to get a scholarship or discount.
Other Discounts
If you’re looking for EBT discounts in New York, you may also qualify for these programs!
- Homebuyer assistance programs (including down payment assistance, Habitat for Humanity, Dollar Homes and more!)
- Legal aid
- Property tax exemptions
- Student loan assistance ($0 per month payments!)
- Summer meals (free for kids ages 18 and under!)
- Tax filing assistance
- Utility assistance (help paying electric bills, free weatherization assistance and more!)
- Pet care assistance (veterinary care grants, free pet food, free boarding and more!)
Arts Access is a program for low income residents of Western New York. This program connects you with free and low cost cultural opportunities, such as comedy shows, theater productions and museums!
This program allows you to register for an Art Access card, which can be used to obtain free tickets (at least 2) and transportation to venues and events in your area! To qualify for an Arts Access Pass, you must receive some form of income-based NYS public assistance, such as NY food stamps. Find more information on their website.
As of this writing, participating venues/events include:
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery
- Aquarium of Niagara
- Artpark State Park
- Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
- Buffalo Choral Arts Society
- Buffalo History Museum
- Buffalo Museum of Science
- Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus
- Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
- Burchfield Penney Art Center
- Carnegie Art Center
- Cepa Gallery
- Comedysports Buffalo
- Explore Buffalo Tours
- Explore & More Children’s Museum
- Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin House
- Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center
- Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
- Irish Classical Theatre Company
- Just Buffalo Literary Center
- Kenan Center
- Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor
- Music is Art
- MusicalFare
- Neglia Ballet
- Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
- Peach Mag
- Road Less Traveled
- Starlight Studio and Art Gallery
- Squeaky Wheel Film and Media Center
- The Big Easy in Buffalo
- Trinity Episcopal Church
- Ujima Company
- WNY Book Arts Center
- Young Audiences of WNY
- West Side Community Services
- Community Health Center of Niagara
- Delavan Grider Community Center aka Metro Community Development Corp.
- Matt Urban Hope Center
- Food Bank of WNY
- Niagara Falls Public Library
Get museum admission discounts with your NY food stamps card!
For your convenience, we’ve organized our free and discounted museum admission list alphabetically by city. We’ve also used green titles to indicate the museums that honor EBT cards from all 50 states.
It is important to realize that you cannot pay for admission with your NY food stamps card. You will show the EBT card to receive the discount but you will need to pay the remaining admission price, if any, in cash or with a credit/debit card.
Albany
Albany Institute of History & Art – FREE
AIHA is one of the oldest museums in the United States, founded in 1791. As such, it has one of the most significant collections in the region.
Historic Cherry Hill – FREE
Historic Cherry Hill is a family home with thousands of artifacts and manuscripts spanning three centuries, and 5 generations. Emily Rankin, the last Cherry Hill descendant, bequeathed her house and its contents to “the people of New York State,” where it opened as a museum in 1964, one year after her death. Today Cherry Hill helps students build critical thinking skills and encourages visitors to use history to understand their own places in the world.
Bridgehampton
Children’s Museum of the East End – FREE
This Museums for All participant provides FREE admission to EBT cardholders from any state. The admission provides access to the exhibit galleries, which include an art studio, family tree gallery and more. Mini golf is also available for an extra charge. For more information, please visit the CMEE website.
The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center – FREE
The South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) & Nature Center is a place for people of all ages to explore, learn, engage and experience scientifically accurate galleries, live and recreated natural habitat exhibits; a Marine Touch Tank where visitors can, in the water, hold sea stars, crabs, urchins, and whelks; and terrariums and aquariums featuring local wildlife.
Buffalo
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House – $3 or less per person
This estate was built between 1903 and 1905 and designed by acclaimed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright as the city home for Buffalo business executive Darwin D. Martin and his family. It is considered one of the great achievements of Wright’s career. In person and virtual tours are available.
Corning
Corning Museum of Glass – FREE
Established in 1951 by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated), The Corning Museum of Glass is dedicated to exploring a single material: glass. The Museum’s campus is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, the world’s foremost library on glass, and one of the top glassworking schools in the world. You can watch glass being made all day, every day. SNAP participants receive free admission (up to 4 adults, children 17 and under are free).
Cornwall
Storm King Art Center – FREE
The Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre outdoor museum located in New York’s Hudson Valley. It features a large-scale sculpture garden.
East Aurora
Explore & More Children’s Museum – FREE
Kids love Explore & More! Fun exhibits include a culture center, art room, baby garden and so much more. They also have lots of fun and engaging events! Discover the place where learning and fun come together for FREE when you show your EBT card!
East Meredith
Hanford Mills Museum – FREE
Experience a historic working mill at The Hanford Mills Museum. Originally a sawmill in the 1840s, Hanford Mills also includes a gristmill, feed mill, woodworking shop and more. The sawmill is still powered by the 1926 waterwheel. Learn more at the Hanford Mills Museum website.
Got an NY food stamps card? You and three guests can visit the Hanford Mills Museum absolutely free. Guests under are 12 are always free. Residents of neighboring zip codes 13757, 13739, 13786, 13750, and 13806 can also receive free admission with proof of residency. The Hanford Mills Museum is a Museums for All partner.
Garden City
Long Island Children’s Museum – $3 or less per person
The fun, open environment here encourages children to move freely and test their independence throughout the Patterns Studio, while navigating Climb-It or learning new skills in a hands-on workshop.
Glens Falls
World Awareness Children’s Museum – FREE
The World Awareness Children’s Museum is incredible! Your kiddos can shop for groceries in a Nigerian marketplace, learn how to use chopsticks in a Japanese Washitsu, dress up in world fashion, discover the Amazon Rainforest and more!
Ithaca
The History Center in Tompkins County – FREE
“The History Center is a generation-to-generation education and research center located in Ithaca New York. The Center helps people use the tools of history to understand the past, gain perspective on the present, and play an informed role in shaping the future.”
Museum of the Earth – $1 per person
From trilobites to mastodons, the Museum of the Earth showcases Earth’s prehistoric past with engaging and interactive exhibits. The Museum is home to the most complete mastodon skeletons ever assembled. When you’re done admiring the collection, you can watch paleontologists diligently uncover fossils in the Prep Lab. You can unearth your own in the Fossil Lab.
Sciencenter – $1 per person
“Climb, splash, think, build, and bounce your way through many exhibit galleries filled with full-body science fun. From astronomy to zoology, the Sciencenter offers something special for guests of any age,” says the Sciencenter website.
And families receiving NY food stamps can get admission to the Sciencenter for just $1 per person! This museum was the first in the country to adopt this wonderful program, so be sure to thank them!
Jamaica
King Manor – Donation Only
King Manor is the historic home of Rufus King, one of the Founding Fathers and an early voice in the anti-slavery movement. You can take a guided tour through the home and wander the estate. There is a suggested donation, only.
Katonah
Katonah Museum of Art – FREE
The nationally recognized KMA has 10,000 square feet of exhibits. The KMA offers lectures, films, workshops, concerts and other events. Their Learning Center is an interactive space in where children can come on a daily basis to explore and create art. You must have tickets, but are free when you have an EBT card.
Long Island City
The Noguchi Museum – FREE
The Noguchi Museum was founded and designed by Isamu Noguchi, and is committed to advancing the appreciation of his art and legacy.
New Windsor
Storm King Art Center – FREE
Storm King Art Center is a 500-acre outdoor museum located in New York’s Hudson Valley, with large-scale sculpture and site-specific commissions all out under the open sky. Changing exhibitions, programming, and seasons offer something new every visit.
New York City
ID NYC Program – FREE!
Residents of New York City can get some sweet deals, whether or not they’re receiving NY food stamps! If you live in New York City, you can get a free government-issued ID card called an IDNYC. In addition to other benefits, this identification provides you with a one-year annual admission pass to 40 of New York City’s coolest zoos, museums, concert halls, gardens, performing arts centers and more. Click here for more information!
Citi Bike – $5 per month
Citi Bike offers a reduced fare bike share to SNAP recipients and residents of New York City Housing Authority properties. For just $5 per month, you can unlock thousands of bikes across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Jersey City. You can take as many rides as you want, and the first 45 minutes of each ride are included free with your plan! Get the rest of the details here.
Cool Culture – FREE
If you have a child that is currently enrolled in a participating early childhood center or elementary school (pre-K and Kindergarten grades only), you may be eligible for a Cool Culture Family Pass. This pass offers free general admission for up to 5 people to 90 destinations, including:
- The Anne Frank Center USA
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum
- Central Park Zoo
- Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
- Museum of the City of New York
- National Jazz Museum in Harlem
- Prospect Park Zoo
- Skyscraper Museum
- Sony Wonder Technology Lab
See the full list of 90 museums here – and then click here to sign up!
International Center of Photography – $3 per person
ICP celebrates the history and future of image-making. They showcase traveling exhibitions and more.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum – FREE
Get FREE admission to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum for up to 4 people! This museum is located aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid, a designated National Historic Landmark. You’ll also be able to see the Space Shuttle Enterprise, the record-breaking British Airways Concorde and the submarine Growler!
Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling – $3 per person
As the cultural heart of the Sugar Hill project, the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum provides cultural programs, educational exhibits and a fun space for neighborhood children to gather and play. Designed to help children create and tell their own stories and art, the museum is designed to serve children 8 years old and younger. With showing your EBT card, entry is just $3 per person. But if your family qualifies for the Cool Culture pass listed above, entrance is free.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center – $3 or less per person
This Heritage Center preserves the historic role of the people of Niagara Falls in working for freedom. The places and stories associated with this network of freedom seekers, free African Americans, and abolitionists are told to share powerful themes in American history. The Heritage Center celebrates the bravery of those who risked their own lives to achieve liberty.
Oneonta
Oneonta World of Learning – FREE
Oneonta World of Learning provides hands-on educational exhibits for children. The museum is designed to encourage parent-child interaction in a playful, imaginative space. Although the open hours are limited, you can visit free with an EBT card!
Oswego
Children’s Museum of Oswego – $3 per person
The newly renovated Children’s Museum of Oswego contains 10,000 square feet of new hands-on, interactive exhibits! With an EBT card, you can bring four guests for $3 per person.
Oyster Bay
Planting Fields Foundation – $3 or less per person
The Foundation preserves Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park. The grounds features 409 acres of greenhouses, rolling lawns, formal gardens, woodland paths and plant collections. The estate buildings include a 65-room Tudor Revival Mansion and more.
Port Jefferson
Long Island Explorium Children’s Museum of Science & Engineering – $3 or less per person
The Long Island Explorium’s enriching STEM programs foster inventive thinking and serve as a catalyst for empowerment.
Poughkeepsie
Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum – $2 per person
The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum welcomes EBT cardholders for just $2 per person. With interactive play focusing on early learning, science, literacy, math, art, music, community and more, the four exhibit galleries are designed to help families connect and learn together through purposeful play.
Rochester
George Eastman Museum – FREE
The world’s oldest photography museum is located in the sprawling mansion estate that once housed photography pioneer and New Yorker George Eastman. Visitors can enjoy exhibits, films, docent tours, lectures, music recitals and three separate gardens.
Rochester Museum & Science Center – $1 per person
“The Rochester Museum & Science Center ignites a passion for lifelong learning and equips our community with the foundational skills, knowledge, and understanding of the technologies needed to help solve society’s most pressing challenges.”
Rye
Westchester Children’s Museum – $3 per person
Build your own rollercoaster, play with puppets and so much more at Westchester Children’s Museum in Rye. You can view more information about their current and future offerings at their website.
Saranac Lake
The Adirondack Carousel – $1 per person
The Adirondack Carousel now participates in Museums for All! Their Museums for All rate is $1 per ticket with a valid EBT card.
Saratoga Springs
Children’s Museum at Saratoga – $1 per person
This museum is geared for guests between birth and 5 grade, and is a place that “inspires curiosity, sparks imagination and nurtures discovery.” Up to four people can receive admission for $1 each with an EBT card.
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame – $3 per person
This museum showcases the history of Thoroughbred racing through a collection of trophies, sculptures, paintings, photographs and more.
Troy
SUNY Poly Children’s Museum of Science and Technology – $1 per person
This museum believes that science belongs to every child – and that’s why the museum proudly provides discounted admission for low-income patrons through the Museums for All program. There are exhibits for nature lovers, builders, explorers and more.
Utica
Utica Children’s Museum – $1 per person
Dive into science with interesting exhibits, like the current nanoscience offerings. Their mission is, “to offer an environment that supports every child’s natural curiosity to learn through hands-on, play-based exploration.”
