Food Assistance Resources
Access to nutritious food is essential for health and stability, and there are many trusted programs available to help individuals and families meet their needs. From grocery assistance and home-delivered meals to nutrition support for children, seniors and low-income households, these local and nationwide resources are here to provide relief during challenging times. Whether you’re looking for help with food costs, school meals, senior nutrition programs or community food banks, the organizations and federal programs listed below connect you to reliable support and additional services that can strengthen your overall well-being.
A nationwide non-profit that uses technology to educate and enable Americans who grow food in home and community gardens to easily donate their surplus harvest to registered local food pantries spread across all 50 states.To find a pantry, visit their website.
Website: https://ampleharvest.org/find-food/
CACFP is a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers.
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp
CSFP works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA foods.
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/commodity-supplemental-food-program
TEFAP is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income people by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost.
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program
Feeding America is the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States. They partner with food banks, food pantries, and local food programs to bring food to people facing hunger.
Website: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Phone Number: 1-800-771-2303
Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.
This service also provides (housing, utilities, medical care, mental health, child care, employment, general financial assistance)
Website: https://www.findhelp.org/
FDPIR provides USDA Foods to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations and to Native American households residing in designated areas near reservations or in Oklahoma.
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/fdpir/food-distribution-program-indian-reservations
Parents and guardians of school-aged children can fill out an application to get free or reduced-priced meals at school for children enrolled in participating Head Start programs, Pre-K and K-12 school districts.
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/applying-free-and-reduced-price-school-meals#
Meals on Wheels primarily provides nutritious meals, a quick safety check and much-needed human connection to homebound seniors. In some communities, additional services that keep seniors healthy and safe are also offered, like pet food delivery, senior center meal programs, home repair services and transportation. Each local program works with its own community’s needs and resources to provide a community-specific solution.
Website: www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org
Phone Number: 1-888-998-6325
SFMNP is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs.
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program
WIC provides free healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and referrals to other services, expanding options for your family.
Website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Phone Number: Varies by State
SNAP provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious foods essential to health and well-being.
Website: www.fns.usda.gov/snap
Phone Number: 1-800-221-5689
Also offers: 🍎 🏠
TANF is a federally funded, state-run program. Also known as welfare, TANF helps families financially after experiencing hardship. Recipients may qualify for help with food, housing, home energy, child care, and job training.
This service also provides (housing, utilities, childcare and employment resources)
Website: https://www.usa.gov/welfare-benefits or https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/map/about/help-families
Phone Number: Varies by State
A free, confidential service available 24 hours, 7 days a week that provides local referrals for a wide range of needs, including housing, food assistance, health care, financial support, and more.
This service also provides (housing and utilities, transportation, medical care, mental health, child care, employment, general financial assistance)
Website: www.211.org
Phone Number: 211