Frequently asked questions

Apply through Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) via their online portal at https://yourtexasbenefits.com/, or call 211 for help with the application in English or Spanish. The application is free, paper or online, and Texas processes it within 30 days for most applicants (7 days if you qualify for expedited SNAP).

Texas uses the federal SNAP allotment table. A household of 1 can receive up to $292/month, household of 4 up to $975/month (FY2025 figures). Use the SNAP calculator on feedam.org for an instant estimate based on your household size and income — no personal data required.

Photo ID, proof of address (utility bill or lease), Social Security cards or numbers for everyone in the household, last 30 days of pay stubs, and bank statements. Texas HHS can also accept alternate documentation. If you don't have ID, Texas HHS can still take your application — call 211 for help gathering documents.

Yes. Every food pantry, food bank, and soup kitchen listed on feedam.org/texas is free. Most don't require ID or proof of income. Some pantries have visit frequency limits (e.g., once per month) but that varies. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.

Yes. Food pantries do not check immigration status. They are private nonprofits, not government programs. Receiving free food does not affect immigration status. WIC and food pantries are not subject to public-charge rules. Most pantries also operate in Spanish.

WIC clinics in Texas are listed at feedam.org/wic-offices/tx. WIC serves pregnant parents, postpartum parents, breastfeeding mothers, and children under 5. Income limit is 185% of the federal poverty level. WIC provides food, formula, breastfeeding support, and nutrition counseling. WIC is safe for all immigrants — public-charge rules do not apply.

Yes. Texas schools participate in USDA's National School Lunch Program (NSLP) — kids from low-income families get free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch during the school year. During summer break, USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sites serve free meals to all kids 18 and under, no application needed. See feedam.org/school-meals/tx for sites near you.

Feeding America Texas (EIN 92-1776845) is an independent 501(c)(3) sibling of Feed America (EIN 92-1761881), focused specifically on Texas. Feeding America® (EIN 36-3673599, headquartered in Chicago) is a separate, larger national food-bank network that runs warehouse food distribution. We share a similar name but are separate legal entities. Feeding America Texas also differs from Feeding Texas (EIN 74-2217832, Austin, TX) — the state-level food-bank network. Verify entity identity on IRS.gov, ProPublica, or Candid before donating.

Yes. Feeding America Texas is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 92-1776845). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed under IRC Section 170. We hold a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency — the top of Candid's four-tier system. Donate online at feedam.org/texas/donate or by mail to 13100 Wortham Center Dr FL 3-1046, Houston, TX 77065.

Food banks (like Houston Food Bank, Feeding South Florida, etc.) are warehouse distributors that supply food to pantries. Feeding America Texas doesn't distribute food directly — we operate the free public directory that helps Texas families find pantries, SNAP retailers, WIC clinics, school meals, and FQHC clinics nearby. We collaborate with food banks but are a different operation type.

Feeding America Texas is headquartered at 13100 Wortham Center Dr FL 3-1046, Houston, TX 77065. Email info@feedingtx.org for press, donations, partnerships, or general inquiries. The directory itself is fully online — there is no walk-in office for food assistance.

Call 211 (free, 24/7, multilingual). The dispatcher will route you to a food pantry that's open today, an emergency food box, or a soup kitchen. You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 for a list of nearby resources by SMS. Both services are free and confidential.