Although there are federal food assistance programs you can apply for in the United States, like SNAP and WIC, they aren’t the only way to get access to free and low cost meals and groceries. Many non-profit organizations provide resources such as free food banks and meal deliveries, almost always with no strings attached. With the help of the internet, it is now easier than ever to find food help anywhere in the country.
This article will answer the following questions about free food programs:
Are there any food assistance programs that are not associated with the government?
How can I find food help near my home?
What steps should I take to get free food?
Is using food assistance programs considered a public charge?
Are there any food assistance programs that are not associated with the government?
Yes! Here are a few examples:
Click here for more information on free meals and groceries and links for resources specifically in California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
How can I find food help near my home?
To find food help near you, call 1(800) 5-HUNGRY, text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479 or fill out this form. It is also available in Spanish. Next, we will explain how to use the Why Hunger database step-by-step.
What steps should I take to receive free food?
Step 1: Go to whyhunger.org/find-food
You should see the page below if you are searching from a desktop computer or something similar on a smartphone. You can click the link above or type it in your browser.
Step 2: Scroll down until you see the “Need help finding food?” form
Enter the zip code for where you live or the area that is most convenient for you to access. You can change the distance to show resources nearer or farther from the zip code entered. You can also choose specific types of programs like food pantries, meal deliveries, and food vouchers by scrolling through the drop-down menu where it says “program type” or you can choose “all” to see everything that is available near you.
Step 3: Review the map to see programs near you
This map is interactive, so you can click on the red pins to see the names of places with food programs near you. Once you click on a red pin, you can click “show more” to see the address, phone number, and hours of operation of the location you chose.
Step 4: review the list of programs near you
If you prefer to look at the programs in list form, instead of the map, continue scrolling down the page until you see this:
Is using food assistance programs considered a public charge?
No! Accessing food assistance of any kind, whether it is through non-profit organizations or the government, is not considered a public charge. You do not have to worry about your immigration status when you use a program like a food pantry or meal service.
