Emergency Food Assistance
When you need food help immediately - resources for getting assistance quickly.
Need Help Right Now?
Call 211 from any phone for immediate referrals to emergency food in your area. Available 24/7.
If you're in crisis, don't wait. Most emergency programs can help today.
Immediate Food Sources
1. Soup Kitchens and Community Meals
Free hot meals served on-site, usually with no appointment or documentation required. Most serve lunch and/or dinner daily.
- Walk in and eat - no registration needed
- Open to anyone who needs a meal
- Often run by churches and community organizations
- No income verification or waiting period
2. Emergency Food Pantries
Many food banks offer emergency boxes for crisis situations:
- Same-day assistance often available
- 3-7 day food supply
- Minimal documentation required
- Call ahead to confirm they can help immediately
3. Churches and Faith-Based Organizations
Many churches provide emergency food assistance:
- Contact local churches directly
- Often help same day or next day
- May provide grocery store vouchers
- Usually no membership required
4. Salvation Army
Provides emergency food, hot meals, and food vouchers. Find your local Salvation Army location and call for immediate assistance.
Quick Ways to Find Help
Call 211
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone. Community specialists can:
- Locate emergency food near you
- Find soup kitchens open today
- Connect you with crisis services
- Provide transportation help information
Use FoodBankFinder.Net
Search our database and look for "Open Now" status. Call ahead to confirm they can provide emergency assistance today.
Hospital Social Workers
If you're at a hospital, ask to speak with a social worker. They can provide immediate referrals and may have emergency food available.
Special Emergency Situations
Experiencing Homelessness
Resources available without an address:
- Homeless shelters provide meals
- Soup kitchens don't require addresses
- Many food pantries serve homeless individuals
- Day centers often offer meals and snacks
Disaster Relief
After natural disasters, special emergency food assistance becomes available through FEMA, Red Cross, and local disaster relief programs. No normal eligibility requirements during disasters.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence shelters provide meals and can connect you with confidential food assistance. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
Medical Emergency/Hospitalization
Hospital social workers and case managers can arrange emergency food delivery when you're discharged or help coordinate Meals on Wheels.
Expedited SNAP Benefits
If you qualify for emergency SNAP, you can receive benefits within 7 days instead of the usual 30 days.
Who Qualifies for Expedited SNAP
- Monthly income under $150 AND liquid resources under $100
- Migrant or seasonal farm worker with resources under $100
- Rent/mortgage + utilities exceed income and liquid resources
Apply immediately at your local SNAP office and ask for expedited processing.
If You Have Children
- School meals: Contact your child's school - may provide emergency weekend food bags
- Summer meal sites: Free meals for kids at parks, libraries, schools during summer
- Food banks: Often prioritize families with children
- WIC: If you have children under 5, WIC can start benefits quickly
What If You Have No Transportation?
- Ask if the food bank delivers
- Churches may arrange food delivery
- Some areas have volunteer driver programs
- Public transit agencies sometimes offer free rides to food banks
- Uber/Lyft may have programs for medical/food appointments