Find Free Food and Groceries

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 (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

• 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 & Children) Programs

• 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

Help for families with a child or teen

• Grocery Programs for Kids and FamiliesContact 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 for families with babies or young kids

• 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) ProgramsWIC 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.

Help for people over 60

• 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 areaBenefitsCheckUp.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.

Help for people who have experienced a disaster

• 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

  Help for people with disabilities

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)