Syracuse City School District and the Food Bank of Central NY: A Model for School-Based SNAP Enrollment and Family Support

The partnership between the Syracuse City School District (SCSD) and the Food Bank of Central New York (FBCNY) offers a nationally replicable model for reducing food insecurity by integrating SNAP outreach directly into the school system. By leveraging the trusted relationships schools have with families, the collaboration streamlined benefit enrollment and reduced the stigma often associated with public assistance. Through strategies like warm handoff referrals, culturally responsive engagement, and data-driven, targeted outreach and follow up, the initiative effectively connected eligible but unenrolled families to SNAP and other vital programs.

Rooted in mutual trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to family well-being, the SCSD-FBCNY partnership transformed schools into comprehensive community support hubs. The program not only expanded access to SNAP but also demonstrated how cross-sector collaboration and school-based outreach can serve as powerful tools for systemic change. With built-in sustainability and a strong feedback loop for continuous improvement, this model highlights the potential of schools to lead efforts that address food insecurity, improve family well-being, and strengthen communities.