Need Help? Find Free Food.

Access to the food and help you need

All of us need help sometimes. Now, more than ever, the Feeding America network of food banks is here to help you access food and other assistance.

If you need help with food today

Your local food bank can help you find food today. With 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs, the Feeding America network serves every community in the United States.

Even if a food bank looks far away, they can help you find food closer to home. Search by zip code or state using the food bank locator, and contact the food bank that serves your area.

Food assistance is free, comfortable, and confidential. However, you may need to complete some paperwork when you check-in.

Low or no contact options are also available in many areas, including seniors-only hours, drive-through pantries, expanded home delivery services, and more.

Help for the days ahead

Whether you are here for the first time or have used food assistance before the COVID-19 pandemic, many federal programs are available to help make ends meet during difficult times. In addition, state and federal programs have expanded to help even more people.

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps) currently provides 1 in 7 Americans with help making ends meet. Find out if you are eligible and learn how to access your SNAP benefits. In addition, we can connect you with your nearest food bank's application assistance program. 
• Child Nutrition Programs provide free healthy meals and snacks to kids while they're out of school. Contact your nearest food bank to see where there are meal sites in your area.
• WIC (Women and Infant Children) programs provide healthy, supplemental food to low-income people who are pregnant and have children ages five and under. Find out if you're eligible and contact your state WIC agency to apply.

Help during the holidays

We understand that a tight budget can hold you back from celebrating the holidays. We're here to help make the holidays easier. Many food banks and meal programs offer free Thanksgiving dinners and food boxes. Learn how to find a free thanksgiving meal near you.

Other programs that can help

In addition to SNAP, other federal and charitable programs are designed to give individuals and families the support they need during difficult times.