Food
"I'm in need of assistance for food"
What should I do?
1. You can find your nearest food bank at Feeding America. You can also call the WhyHunger hotline which refers people across U.S to food pantries, soup kitchens, and government nutrition programs at 800-548-6479, or call USDA's National Hunger Hotline to find local food assistance at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE. The information is available in English and Spanish, and the hotline operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST.
You do not need to explain your situation or even give your name to access food from a food bank.
If you live in New York City, here is a list of soup kitchens and food pantries by borough.
If you live in Los Angeles, enter your address on this page to find your local food pantry.
2. You may also qualify for food stamps, otherwise called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You can find eligibility requirements on your state's SNAP webpage. Each state has its own application form. Other food and nutrition services available in your state can be found here.
If the instructions to apply for food stamps are confusing, try looking on https://findhelp.org/ for clearer steps.
“I need more resources on how to access food”
Are there any more resources besides food banks and food stamps?
During these unprecedented times, we understand it may be difficult to find resources on how to access to food, and we are here to help! These are some food apps and websites helping you access food programs/resources easier.
Food For All works on Android and iOS, and allows you to:
Choose from restaurants and cafes that have extra meals close to you;
Reserve and pay directly through the app;
Pick up your meal at the specified pickup window, typically one hour before restaurants close.
You can find additional food resources by inputting your zip code using these websites:
Aunt Bertha (more on how to use this resource here)
Additionally:
You can request assistance with essentials like food by emailing One Simple Wish.
You can apply for a food gift card from On Being Human 2020.
Low-income families, veterans, teachers, and students can apply for a free membership at Thrive Market, which allows you to get 25-50% off groceries delivered to you.
How can I better plan for food during the pandemic?
Right now you may be taking extra precautions to keep you and your family safe by making sure you have what you need at home.
You can read the USDA’s guide on Shelf-Stable Food Safety for more in-depth tips on shelf-stable foods that will not expire for long periods of time and can be preserved outside of a fridge.
Just Say Yes to Fruits and Veggies offers a variety of easy and low-cost recipes to try at home and Budget Bytes is a great cooking resource for cooking on a budget.
This guide contains information on food planning such as what to buy, how much to buy, and preparation tips:
Missing a resource?
Contact us so we can add it.
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