Food Banks That Deliver to Your Home

Can't leave home? Find food banks offering free home delivery services for seniors, disabled individuals, and homebound residents.

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Delivery Programs

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Delivering Today

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States Covered

What Are Food Delivery Services?

Food delivery services bring free groceries, meals, or food boxes directly to your home. These programs are designed for people who cannot easily leave their homes due to age, disability, illness, lack of transportation, or other barriers. Instead of visiting a food pantry in person, food is delivered to your doorstep by volunteers or staff.

Delivery programs may provide groceries for the week, emergency food boxes, hot meals, or specialized items like diabetic-friendly foods. Some programs deliver on a regular schedule (weekly or monthly), while others provide one-time emergency deliveries. Many delivery programs expanded significantly during COVID-19 and continue to serve homebound individuals today.

Common food delivery programs include Meals on Wheels (for seniors), homebound food pantry delivery, mobile food banks that come to neighborhoods, and contactless delivery options. According to Feeding America, approximately 15% of food banks nationwide now offer some form of home delivery service, serving over 2 million homebound Americans annually.

Quick Facts

  • Delivered to your door - no travel needed
  • Free service - no delivery fees
  • Regular or emergency - one-time or recurring
  • For homebound - seniors, disabled, ill
  • Safe & contactless - doorstep drop-off available

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Who Qualifies for Food Delivery Services?

Typical Eligibility

  • Seniors age 60+ who cannot drive or leave home
  • People with disabilities that limit mobility
  • Individuals recovering from illness or surgery
  • Homebound due to medical conditions
  • Those without reliable transportation
  • Families caring for homebound members
  • People in quarantine or isolation

Application Process

Most delivery programs require registration in advance. You typically need to:

  • Call the program to request delivery service
  • Complete a brief intake form by phone or online
  • Provide proof of address
  • Some may verify homebound status
  • Schedule a delivery day/time

What to Expect

  • Scheduled delivery days (e.g., every Tuesday)
  • Contactless doorstep drop-off available
  • Volunteers will call before arriving
  • Groceries packed in boxes or bags
  • No cost for delivery or food
  • May include refrigerated items

Important Notes

  • Limited capacity - may have waiting lists
  • Service areas vary (some deliver city-wide, others limited)
  • Delivery schedules may be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly
  • Emergency deliveries often available same-day or next-day
  • Safe to leave outside if you can't come to door

How to Access Food Delivery Services

1

Find a Delivery Program

Use our search tool below to find food banks offering home delivery in your area. Filter by distance and location.

2

Call to Register

Contact the program by phone to register for delivery service. Have your address and basic information ready.

3

Schedule Delivery

Work with the program to set up a regular delivery schedule or request a one-time emergency delivery.

4

Receive Food

Food will be delivered to your doorstep on scheduled days. Contactless delivery available - no need to answer door.

Pro Tip: Many programs require 24-48 hours notice for deliveries. If you need emergency food today, call and ask about same-day delivery options or alternative emergency resources.

Food Delivery Programs Near You

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. Food delivery from food banks and pantries is completely free, including the delivery itself. There are no fees, no tips expected, and no charges for the food. This is a free charitable service provided by volunteers and staff to help those in need.

Most delivery programs prioritize homebound individuals (seniors, disabled, recovering from illness) who genuinely cannot leave their homes. However, policies vary. Some programs also serve people without transportation or those in quarantine. Call the program to explain your situation - they will work with you to determine if delivery is appropriate or if other options like pickup might be better.

Delivery frequency varies by program. Common schedules include weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly deliveries. Some programs provide one-time emergency deliveries. Most programs will deliver regularly on a set schedule (e.g., every other Tuesday). The amount and frequency depends on the program's capacity and your household size. Discuss your needs when registering.

Deliveries typically include a mix of non-perishable items (canned goods, pasta, cereal), fresh produce, bread, and sometimes frozen meat or dairy products. The exact items vary based on what the food bank has available. Some programs let you specify dietary needs, allergies, or preferences. Meals on Wheels programs deliver hot, prepared meals rather than groceries.

It depends on the program. Many offer contactless delivery where food is left at your doorstep - you don't need to answer the door. The delivery person may knock or call to let you know it's there. If you need help bringing food inside due to mobility issues, let the program know and volunteers can assist. For hot meal deliveries, some programs prefer to hand meals directly to recipients for safety.

Possibly. Delivery programs have limited volunteer capacity and vehicle availability, so some maintain waiting lists, especially in high-demand areas. Wait times can range from a few days to several weeks. When you call, ask about current wait times. If there's a wait list, they may be able to provide emergency food in the meantime or suggest alternative resources. Emergency deliveries are often prioritized for urgent situations.

Yes! If you have a family member, friend, or caregiver who can pick up food on your behalf, most food pantries allow proxy pickup. The person picking up may need a signed note from you and should bring their ID and your information. This can be faster than waiting for delivery service. Call the food bank to ask about their proxy pickup policy.

Meals on Wheels is a specific program that delivers hot, prepared meals (usually lunch) to seniors, typically 5 days per week. Food pantry delivery provides groceries you prepare yourself, usually on a weekly or monthly schedule. Both are free. Meals on Wheels is specifically for seniors 60+, while food pantry delivery may serve a broader population. You can often receive both services if eligible. Contact your local Meals on Wheels at 1-888-998-6325 or mealsonwheelsamerica.org.

Related Services

Senior Programs

For ages 60+
Food Pantries

Groceries to take home
Emergency Food

Immediate assistance
Hot Meals

Ready-to-eat meals