Food help — every option in one place
Free food assistance for any situation. Search by ZIP code, browse by program type, or call 211 for immediate help. Operated by Feed America (501(c)(3), EIN 92-1761881) — Candid Platinum verified.
Need food right now?
Call 211 — free, 24/7, multilingualBy type of help
| I need... | Best resource |
|---|---|
| Free food today | /free-food-today · soup kitchens, community fridges, mobile pantries |
| A food pantry | /food-pantry-near-me · 146,000+ verified pantries |
| Help with grocery costs | SNAP application · monthly food benefits via EBT card |
| Help with formula or kids' nutrition | /wic-near-me · WIC for kids under 5 + pregnant parents |
| Free school meals for kids | /school-meals · NSLP + summer meals |
| Help after a disaster | /disasters · D-SNAP for hurricane/wildfire/flood victims |
| Senior nutrition | /senior-food-help · CSFP, Meals on Wheels, SNAP for seniors, AAA programs |
| College food help | /guides/college-food-insecurity · campus pantries + student SNAP |
| Immigrant food help | /guides/immigrant-food-help · what's safe, what's available |
| Food without an address | /guides/homeless-food-help · community fridges, shelter meals |
| Health center / FQHC | /health-centers · 18,000+ FQHC sliding-scale clinics |
By state — comprehensive state-level food-help guides
Every state has its own page with all programs, live counts, and direct links to apply for SNAP / WIC and find local resources:
Or browse pantries directly: All 50 states →
Eligibility checkers
- SNAP eligibility — income limits + asset rules + categorical rules
- Free SNAP calculator — instant estimate, no PII
- WIC eligibility — 185% of federal poverty
How Feed America fits in
Feed America (EIN 92-1761881) operates this directory — the largest free food-assistance search platform in the United States. We index 320,000+ verified locations from federal sources (USDA, HRSA, NCES, state agencies). We don't run pantries; we connect people to the ones that exist. Free, no login, no paid placements, no data sold.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get free food today?
Call 211 (free, 24/7, multilingual) or use feedam.org to search by ZIP code. The fastest same-day options are soup kitchens, community fridges, and mobile pantries — see /free-food-today for a curated list.
What is the difference between a food pantry and a food bank?
A food bank is a regional warehouse that supplies food to many pantries. A food pantry is the local site where you actually pick up groceries. As an end user, you almost always want a food pantry — that's where the food is distributed directly.
Do I need to bring ID or proof of income?
Most food pantries do not require proof of income. Many will ask for ID and proof of address (a piece of mail), but increasingly pantries are removing these barriers. SNAP and WIC do require ID and income documentation.
Can I get food help if I am undocumented?
Yes. Food pantries do not check immigration status. SNAP requires lawful permanent residency for adults, but children born in the US qualify regardless of parent status. WIC has no immigration requirement. See /guides/immigrant-food-help for details.
How do I apply for SNAP?
SNAP applications are state-administered. Visit /apply-snap to find your state portal. Most states accept online applications. Decision typically within 30 days; emergency SNAP available within 7 days for crisis situations.
Are these resources free?
Yes. Every resource on feedam.org is free to use. Food pantries do not charge. SNAP and WIC are free federal benefits. The Feed America platform is operated by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and never charges users.
Want to support the platform? Donate to Feed America →