Need Food Assistance?

You are not alone. Whether you are seeking food assistance or you are looking for ways to help others, this site is your hub. We believe that every person deserves access to nutritious food, dignity, and community.

Click here for National, State and Local Resources
Click here to support Local Church & Faith Based Outreaches
Click here to find Local Grassroots Organizations
Click here for How to Reach Out

Why This Matters

Millions of Americans do not always know where their next meal is coming from. According to Feeding America, food insecurity means households don’t have reliable access to enough nutritious food.

This website is devoted to providing clear, locally-rooted help, and to encouraging community-wide support and giving.

Finding Help.

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity unable to reliably access enough healthy food we provide tools to help you find immediate support: food banks, pantries, meal programs, federal benefits. Start by entering your ZIP code or calling the national hotline.

National, State and Local Resources

These national, state and local organizations help people facing food insecurity anywhere in the U.S. You can use these resources to find food assistance, locate local pantries, and learn about federal programs.

Feeding America – “Find Your Local Food Bank” tool: enter your ZIP code to locate a food bank in their network.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Overview: Feeding America is the largest network of food banks in the U.S. You can locate a food bank near you by entering your ZIP code. They provide groceries, meals, and support for families in need.
How to use:

  1. Click the link: Find Your Local Food Bank

  2. Enter your ZIP code in the search bar.

  3. Browse the list of nearby food banks and pantries.

  4. Click each listing for contact info, hours, and services.

FoodFinder – Nationwide food-pantry locator: enter ZIP code to find nearby pantries.

https://foodfinder.us

Overview: FoodFinder is a nationwide directory of free food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs. It makes it easy to find help near your location.
How to use:

  1. Click the link: FoodFinder

  2. Type in your ZIP code and press search.

  3. Review the map and list of local food assistance locations.

  4. Click on any location for address, hours, and available services.

U.S. Hunger – A hunger relief organization operating nationally; you can learn more about how you can help or receive help.

https://ushunger.org

Overview: U.S. Hunger works nationally to provide food to families in need and coordinate hunger relief efforts.
How to use:

  1. Click the link: U.S. Hunger

  2. Use the “Find Food” or “Get Help” options to locate programs near you.

  3. Learn about volunteering or donating if you want to give back.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) “The Emergency Food Assistance Program” (TEFAP) – A federal program that supplements diets of low-income people with emergency food assistance.

USDA Food and Nutrition Service

https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program

USDA – The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Overview: TEFAP provides supplemental emergency food for low-income households through state and local agencies.
How to use:

  1. Click the link: USDA TEFAP

  2. Review the program details and eligibility.

  3. Use the site to find participating food distribution sites in your area.

U.S. Government “Food Assistance” portal – How to apply for programs like SNAP, WIC, etc.

https://www.usa.gov/food-help

Overview: This government site helps you apply for programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants & Children), and other emergency food resources.
How to use:

  1. Click the link: USA.gov – Food Help

  2. Explore available programs based on your needs.

  3. Follow the links to apply online or get contact information for local offices.

Support Local Church & Faith Based Outreaches

Churches and faith communities are often central to food assistance and outreach. You can:

  • Partner with your local church’s food-pantry or mobile distribution program.

  • Encourage your church to host a “food drive”, volunteer day, or dine-out event benefiting the pantry.

  • Use your church’s network to help spread awareness: many congregations have community outreach teams oriented around giving time, talent, treasure, hearts and energy.

The Local Church Needs You! Giving in the 5 T’s: Time • Treasure • Talent • Hearts • Energy

Reflect on giving in a holistic way:

  • Time: Volunteer at a food bank, a church pantry, mobile distribution, sorting effort.

  • Treasure (Income): Financial donations, sponsoring food drives, establishing monthly giving.

  • Talent: Use your skills e.g., bookkeeping for a pantry, logistics for a mobile pantry, website/social media for a faith-outreach.

  • Hearts: Give with a grateful, humble heart. Recognize the dignity of those you help.

  • Energy: Bring your physical effort and enthusiasm, setting up events, packing boxes, delivering meals, gathering community.

Finding Local Grassroots Organizations

In addition to national food programs, local grassroots organizations can provide immediate, community-based support. These groups often operate small pantries, meal programs, or volunteer networks, and they rely on neighbors like you for help.

How to Find Local Grassroots Organizations

  1. Social Media

    • Facebook: Search for groups in your city or county using terms like “food pantry [city]”, “community meals [city]”, or “hunger relief [city]”. Many churches, nonprofits, and community groups post events and volunteer opportunities here.

    • Instagram/X (Twitter): Follow local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and neighborhood community pages. Look for hashtags like #FoodDrive, #CommunitySupport, or #[YourCity]Cares.

    • Nextdoor: This neighborhood app is great for finding smaller volunteer-run food programs or mutual aid networks.

  2. Community Boards & Libraries

    • Check local community centers, libraries, or municipal websites. Many grassroots groups post flyers with food distributions, volunteer opportunities, and donation drives.

  3. Faith-Based Networks

    • Churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples often run food pantries or collaborate with other groups. Visit their websites or social media pages, or ask to speak with the outreach coordinator.

  4. Local Nonprofits & Mutual Aid Networks

    • Look for smaller nonprofits or mutual aid networks that may not appear in national databases. Searching “mutual aid [city]” or “community food support [city/state]” can help.

How to Reach Out

  1. Direct Message or Email

    • Introduce yourself briefly. State whether you are seeking assistance or offering help.

    • Example: “Hello, my name is [Name]. I am looking for information on local food assistance programs in [City], or ways to volunteer and support your efforts.”

  2. Phone Calls

    • Many small organizations respond faster by phone than email. Ask for their schedule, volunteer opportunities, or donation guidelines.

  3. Attend Community Events

    • Visit food drives, pantry openings, or volunteer days. Meeting organizers in person helps build connections and makes it easier to offer ongoing support.

  4. Use Social Media to Engage

    • Like, follow, and comment on their posts to stay updated on urgent needs, events, or donation drives.