Food Assistance Programs & Resources
Explore food assistance programs including SNAP, WIC, TEFAP, and more. Guides for seniors, veterans, families, and anyone facing food insecurity. Everything is free and confidential.
The United States offers a wide network of food assistance services — from government-funded nutrition programs like SNAP (food stamps) and WIC to community-based hunger relief through food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile food distributions. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service administers the largest federal feeding programs, while organizations like Feeding America coordinate charitable food distribution through 200+ food banks nationwide. You can use multiple programs simultaneously — there is no limit to combining SNAP, WIC, food pantry visits, and other food support services.
Federal Food Assistance Programs
The US government funds several programs that provide free food or grocery benefits. You can participate in multiple programs at the same time.
SNAP (Food Stamps)
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card
WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Nutrition support for pregnant women, infants, and young children
TEFAP (Emergency Food)
Free emergency food through local food banks and pantries
Free School Meals
Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for students
Summer Meals & Summer EBT
Free meals and grocery benefits for kids during summer
CSFP (Senior Food Boxes)
Monthly food boxes for seniors 60 and older
FDPIR (Tribal Food Distribution)
Food distribution for households on Indian reservations
CACFP (Childcare Meals)
Subsidized meals at childcare centers and afterschool programs
Guides for Your Situation
Different programs serve different needs. Find the guide that fits your situation.
Food Assistance for Seniors
SNAP, CSFP food boxes, Meals on Wheels, congregate meals, and senior programs.
Families with Children
WIC, school meals, summer meals, SNAP, CACFP, and family nutrition programs.
Veterans Food Assistance
VA programs, SNAP for veterans, food bank partnerships, and crisis support.
Immigrant Eligibility
Which programs you qualify for regardless of immigration status, including WIC and TEFAP.
College Students
Campus food pantries, SNAP student exemptions, and meal-sharing programs.
Without a Permanent Address
Food pantries, soup kitchens, and programs that don't require proof of address.
Need Food Help Right Now?
Help is available 24/7. You don't need ID or money to get started. Call 211 and they'll connect you with free food and other assistance in your area - in over 200 languages.
Key Organizations
These organizations connect millions of Americans with food assistance every year.
Feeding America
The nation's largest hunger-relief network with 200+ food banks.
211 United Way
Free, confidential helpline for food, housing, and social services. Available 24/7.
Meals on Wheels
Home-delivered meals for homebound seniors. No income test required for those 60+.
Not Sure What You Qualify For?
Use our eligibility overview to compare programs side by side, or call 211 for a free, confidential screening of all available benefits in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food assistance programs am I eligible for?
Do I need to be a US citizen to receive food assistance?
Can I receive SNAP and visit food pantries at the same time?
How do I find out what programs are available in my state?
Is food assistance confidential?
What if I need food help right now and can't wait for an application?
Find a Food Pantry Near You
Search 88,000+ food pantries and food banks across all 50 states. Free, confidential, no login required.