Emergency Food Assistance — How to Get Food Today
If you need food in the next 24 hours, these are the fastest paths. No application, no income verification, no waiting.
5 paths to get food in under 24 hours
1. Call 211
24/7 multilingual. Say "I need food." Dispatcher connects you with the nearest open pantry or community kitchen.
Or text your ZIP to 898-211
3. D-SNAP in FEMA-declared disaster areas
If your area had a FEMA disaster declaration in the last 30 days, D-SNAP offers emergency food benefits with more generous eligibility than regular SNAP. Application window typically 7-14 days after activation.
4. Children 18 and under in summer
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) offers free meals at participating sites — no application, no income verification. Active late May - August.
Text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 304-304 · Or find sites →
5. TEFAP at local pantries (no application)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) distributes commodity foods through pantries. Most pantries don\u0027t require an application — just photo ID. If you receive SNAP / TANF / SSI / LIHEAP, you usually qualify automatically.
After the emergency: long-term assistance
- SNAP — monthly benefit; standard 30-day processing, expedited 7 days
- WIC — pregnant, postpartum, children up to 5
- All federal programs
Spanish version
Last updated 2026-04-30. Feed America Inc. (EIN 92-1761881).