If you need food today
Your local food bank can help you find food today, even if you need temporary help. They partner with food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs in your local community to give away free food.
Enter your zip code to find the food bank partnering with Feeding America. They'll share the locations and hours of nearby food distributions.
Federal programs that can help
Many federal programs are available whether you are here for the first time or have used food assistance.
Some federal programs have made changes following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Learn what those changes mean for you.
SNAP (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.
Important SNAP update: Emergency changes to SNAP ended in May 2023. Learn how these changes may affect you.
WIC (Women, Infant and 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 for WIC and contact your local WIC office to apply.
Programs for your situation
Grocery Programs for Kids and Families
Contact your local food bank for more information on special programs to feed kids. Programs include the School Pantry Program, where parents can conveniently pick up food at their child’s school, and the BackPack Program, which gives children food to take home for the weekends.
Help with Baby Food, Formula, or Diapers
Many food banks help with free baby food, formula, and diapers. They can also connect you to your local diaper bank. Ask your local food bank about free diapers and free baby formula.
WIC (Women and Infant Children) Programs
WIC helps low-income people who are pregnant and have young children with food assistance and health care referrals. Find out if you're eligible and contact your state WIC agency to apply .
Senior Programs
Many food banks host senior food programs that provide free groceries to older adults, with no strings attached. Contact your local food bank to find out if a senior program is available near you.
Comprehensive help for seniors in your area
BenefitsCheckUp.org is a free online service of the National Council on Aging . Just answer a few simple questions and you will receive a personalized report listing the programs near you that you may be eligible for, program details, and how to apply in your area. This includes information about programs that can help you pay for medications, health care, utilities, and more.
When a natural disaster strikes, we know it’s a huge struggle to recover and rebuild your life. Thankfully, there are many organizations you can turn to for help.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) : works in areas hardest hit by natural disasters to help communities recover – and offers many services to help families get their lives back to normal
- The Red Cross : on the ground following many natural disasters. They provide relief and resources to help communities experiencing crisis
- Feeding America network of food banks and meal programs: built to provide nationwide relief and recovery support to affected communities
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
People who are low-income and have a disability, blindness, or are over 65 may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Apply and find out if you are eligible for SSI.
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Other programs that help make ends meet
Looking for a job or a way to build new skills? Explore local work and job training opportunities! Whether you're looking to start a new career, improve your skills, or get the training you need, there are resources available to help you succeed. Find a program or opportunity near you.
Tax Benefits
The Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit may help you get a tax break. These credits can provide extra money for groceries, gas, childcare, and more. Find out if you’re eligible for the Child Tax Credit or eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Free online filing: Use GetCTC to claim your Child Tax Credit and your third stimulus payment. Filing takes 10-15 minutes and does not require any tax documents.
Free Tax Assistance
If you need help filing your taxes, free tax preparation support is available from these trusted sources:
- IRS: Visit the VITA Site Locator to find in-person options for free tax support.
- IRS Free File offers a free online way to prepare and file federal taxes.
- United Way offers free self-file and online and in-person options for tax assistance.
- Direct File is available in 25 states and provides a simple, secure, and free way to file your taxes online directly with the IRS.
Get information on finding and signing up for health insurance at Healthcare.Gov . You may qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program . You can also get application help .
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps families lower their energy costs. Find out more about LIHEAP by calling 1-866-674-6327 or visiting the LIHEAP Clearinghouse .
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program provides grants to help families pay their water and wastewater bills. Find out more about LIHWAP by contacting your local program or your tribal contact .
Dial 2-1-1
For help with things like utilities, housing, mental healthcare, or childcare, dial 211 on any phone. Speak with a trained professional in your area 24 hours a day. Services are free and confidential and available in many languages. While most of the United States is covered by 211, the service is not available in all areas.