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Private company — not a government agency and not affiliated with any government program. Free to use.
Helping Hands Alliance

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Food Assistance

Programs that help you put food on the table — from monthly grocery benefits to local food banks and meals for kids and seniors. You apply to each program directly; we just help you find the right one.

Helping Hands Alliance does not store, prepare, sell, cook, or distribute food and is not a food establishment or food bank. We only provide information about food programs run by government agencies and nonprofits.

Programs this page covers

  • SNAP (food stamps)
  • WIC
  • National School Lunch & Breakfast
  • Summer food for kids
  • Senior nutrition (commodity foods)
  • Local food banks & pantries

Leave blank to see nationwide programs, or pick a state to add local listings.

Food Assistance nationwide

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Federal

Monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy groceries. SNAP is federally funded but you apply through your state's human-services agency.

Who it’s for: Based on household size, income, and resources. Most households at or below 130% of the federal poverty level may qualify.

USDA SNAP information line

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

Federal

Healthy food, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5.

Who it’s for: Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women and children under 5 who meet income guidelines (generally at or below 185% of poverty) and have a nutritional need.

USDA National Hunger Hotline can connect you to local WIC

Free & Reduced-Price School Meals

Federal

Free or low-cost breakfast and lunch for eligible students during the school year. Apply through your child's school district.

Who it’s for: Children in households at or below 185% of poverty, or automatically eligible if the household gets SNAP, TANF, or certain other benefits.

National Hunger Hotline for local guidance

Local Food Banks & Pantries (Feeding America)

Free groceries from a nationwide network of food banks and pantries. No application — just find a location near you.

Who it’s for: Most pantries serve anyone in need. Some may ask for proof of address or income, but many do not.

National Hunger Hotline finds pantries near you

Food Assistance hotlines

Talk to us: 844-375-9877

Verified, free, and answered by real people. Call directly — no application needed.

USDA National Hunger Hotline

Free & Confidential
1-866-348-6479

Finds food banks, pantries, meal sites, and benefit programs near you. Spanish: 1-877-842-6273.

Mon–Fri, 7 AM–10 PM ETFederal / 501(c)(3) — Hunger Free America

USDA SNAP Information Line

Free & Confidential
1-800-221-5689

General SNAP information and connection to your state SNAP agency for applications and case questions.

Business hoursFederal — USDA FNS

A private company — not a government agency. We provide free information and point you to official programs to apply to directly. We never charge you, distribute aid, or submit applications on your behalf.