When facing unexpected financial hardship, putting food on the table can suddenly become a daily challenge. If you're struggling to make ends meet, various programs and resources are available to assist you.
Across the country, emergency food assistance programs are helping millions of families fill their pantries and feed their children during hard times. Searching for emergency food assistance can be daunting, so we’ll walk you through a few resources that can help and how to access them.
Your Local Food Pantry
What is it?
One of the fastest ways to get help with groceries is by finding a nearby food pantry. Food pantries distribute the groceries they receive from food banks and community donations to families in need.
You might think of food pantries as having only canned goods, but the truth is that they also offer fresh produce, protein, dairy, whole grains, and other everyday essentials, such as hygiene products and toiletries. Many even let you select your own food. It’s just like shopping in a grocery store, except everything is free!
Food pantries can connect you with other resources, too, like health clinics, employment support, and SNAP enrollment.
Where to Get Help
Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization, operates more than 60,000 food pantries across the country. Their website lets you search for food banks by ZIP code.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
What is it?
SNAP, also known as food stamps, is the most widespread federal nutrition assistance program in the U.S., helping over 41 million people put food on the table. SNAP benefits are loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card that works like a debit card at approved grocery stores.
Who’s Eligible?
SNAP eligibility is based on income, household size, and a few other factors that vary by state. In most states, families with gross income up to 130% of the federal poverty line qualify. If you are eligible, you’ll receive SNAP benefits within 30 days of applying. However, if you meet specific emergency criteria, you could receive benefits within 7 days.
Where to Get Help
You can apply to SNAP by contacting your state agency. You must apply in the state where you currently live. The easiest way to apply for SNAP is through your state’s online portal, but you may also be able to apply in person or by mail.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
What is it?
If you’re looking for free groceries from a government program with no long-term enrollment process, TEFAP might be a fit. TEFAP is a federally funded program that provides emergency food to low-income families at no cost. You can access TEFAP benefits through local food pantries and soup kitchens.
Who’s Eligible?
Each state has its own eligibility requirements and application process. To qualify, you typically need to meet income guidelines, often based on the state's median income.
Where to Get Help
Contact your TEFAP state agency for more information on how to get started.
WIC
What is it?
WIC is a supplemental nutrition program designed for women, infants, and children. Through WIC, you can receive healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutritional education, and referrals to medical, dental, and mental healthcare.
Who’s Eligible?
If you’re pregnant, have recently given birth, or have children under the age of five, you may qualify for WIC. Although the program has “women” in its name, caregivers, including dads, grandparents, and foster parents, may also apply for children in their care.
Use the online WIC pre-screening tool to check your eligibility.
Where to Get Help
If you’re eligible, you can get your application started by contacting your local health department.
School Food Programs
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)
If you have kids in school or childcare, they may qualify for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Participating schools provide free or reduced-price breakfasts or lunches to eligible children.
Who’s Eligible?
Eligibility in these programs is based on family income, family size, and status as homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster child. If your household income is at or below 130% of the poverty line, your child may qualify for free school meals, while those between 130–185% qualify for reduced-price meals.
For more information on eligibility requirements, visit the Food and Nutrition Service website.
Where to Get Help
Contact your child’s school to request an application.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
When school is out of session, eligible children can participate in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This program provides free meals to children during the summer months at local schools, parks, or community centers.
Who’s Eligible?
All children under the age of 18 are eligible to receive meals. No application or paperwork is needed to participate.
Where to Get Help
Find your area’s operating sites using the USDA website’s Summer Meals Site Finder.
Senior Programs
If you’re over age 60, you may qualify for one of the food assistance programs specifically designed to support seniors.
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) offers coupons to low-income seniors to use at farmers' markets and roadside stands.
If you’re a senior with income at or below 185% of the federal poverty line, you can apply through your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is another program that provides food assistance to seniors by delivering a monthly box of groceries. These boxes contain foods such as canned fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products.
If you’re a senior at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, you can apply through your local CSFP agency.
Community Programs, Churches, and 211
Faith-Based Groups
If you’re in an urgent situation and can’t wait for benefits to kick in, check with local churches or religious groups. Many offer food pantries, meal programs, and grocery gift cards, regardless of your beliefs or religious affiliation.
Community Action Agencies
Another option is to find Community Action Agencies in your area. These agencies are nonprofit organizations created by the government to help with food, housing, utilities, employment, transportation, and more. Programs and eligibility vary by location.
211
The 211 helpline can connect you with local resources for emergency food assistance, such as food pantries and community kitchens, and help you apply for government programs. You can reach them by dialing 211 or visiting 211.org. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions. They’re there to help!
When You’re Ready to Reach Out
Unexpected crises, medical expenses, rising inflation — there are so many reasons a family might struggle to afford food. Whether you need immediate access to groceries or long-term support through a government program, know that there are resources you can rely on when times get tough. No one should have to go hungry when help is available.
