Food Assistance – Where to Get Free Groceries

Many families need help to supplement their food budget. Even if you receive SNAP, most families will run out of food before the end of the month.  This is where food banks and food pantries come in handy.  You can find charities that offer food and other services in your community.  You may also go to usa.gov to see if you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The first step you should take is to call 211, the universal phone number for the United Way. The United Way is a one-stop resource for emergency help with your most important needs. Why they are so great is you can find assistance programs right in your own community. Where you need help with rent, food, utilities, government programs that help you with education, or home repairs, they can help.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The DSS is another place to go when you need help feeling your family. It doesn’t matter if you are not presently receiving assistance with food. When you go to the Department of Social Services, tell them you need emergency or expedited food stamps.

These are given under emergency circumstances when you are new to the Department of Social Services or returning for help ask about SNAP benefits (The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

You can get food benefits in about seven days if you sign up for SNAP benefits.  Make sure to ask for food from the pantry and a referral to your local food bank. Also, ask for a list of all the church and local food pantries to get help.

Free Groceries for Low Income Families – Where to Get Free Food

Pantries & Free Bank Assistance

Food pantries or food banks are locations stocked with food for the needy. All pantries are not created equal. Some give the basics, while better funded and stocked food banks give food, toilet paper, soap, fresh meat, vegetables, and some pet food.

I have found that the larger denominational churches (like the Catholic or Baptist Churches) give the best stuff.  Visit some churches and ask what their food bank gives out and if you need a referral. If you need a referral, go to your community action group of DSS for a referral.  Find a food bank.

Loaves and Fishes

Food assistance programs like Loaves and Fishes are well-known for giving out desired foods from community grocery stores.  There are locations throughout the U.S. They give their clients a choice of the groceries they want.  This assures the family will eat what is taken and limit waste.

Clients have a choice of bread, vegetables, dairy, and fruit groceries they want based on their family size.  A registered dietician determines the daily amount of food necessary to create three meals daily and gives out groceries accordingly.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities is an organization that gives out a more comprehensive selection of groceries and other supplies to the poor. If you go there to help with your rent or utilities, don’t forget to ask for groceries. They will ask how many people are in your family and give you a bag for additional family members.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is an organization that partners with government and public organizations to provide lunches for seniors.  1 in 6 seniors is all alone and doesn’t have enough to eat.  Meals on Wheels American is a nationwide program that delivers meals to low-income seniors and disabled people.

Each year over 2 million seniors can receive free lunches and dinners.   They aim to address senior hunger and promote better health for vulnerable elderly over sixty and disabled living at home.

Many seniors can not afford to hire someone to come in daily to prepare their meals.  This helps low-income elderly remain in their homes.  This program provides meals and the comfort of knowing someone is coming to your home each day.  It also allows those with low mobility to remain in their own homes.  If you want meals on wheels delivered to you or a family member, go online for more information.

The National School Lunch Program

The Nation School Lunch programs are one of many meal programs in the U.S. This federally funded nutrition program provides food assistance to 100,000 educational institutions, childcare facilities, and after-school programs every year.

They provide free and low-cost meals to those who qualify financially.  You qualify for free meals if your gross family income is at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  If your gross family income is above 185% of the poverty guideline, pay full price for meals.