Where to Get Free Food During the Government Shutdown (Even If SNAP Stops)

With the looming government shutdown putting SNAP benefits at risk, many low income families are understandably anxious. If you rely on food assistance to feed your household, now is the time to explore every available resource. This guide will help you find free food options in your area—from hot meals and pantry staples to food delivery and local support groups.

We’ve included a wide range of options, so whether you’re a parent, senior, student, or someone just trying to get by, there’s something here that may help.

Free Home-Delivered Meals

One of the most compassionate programs we’ve come across is Lasagna Love. This volunteer-powered service delivers free, home-cooked lasagna to families in need. There are no income limits, no paperwork, and in most areas, you can request one meal per month. If a volunteer is available in your area, you could receive a warm meal delivered right to your door. You can request a meal through the Lasagna Love website.

Community Support from Mutual Aid Groups

Mutual aid groups are local, grassroots organizations that offer food, diapers, hygiene items, and other essentials. These groups operate on a “neighbors helping neighbors” model and can often provide help faster than larger agencies. To find a group near you, visit the Mutual Aid Hub or search Facebook for mutual aid combined with your city’s name.

Food Pantries and Faith-Based Programs

Churches, mosques, and other religious centers frequently host food distributions and meal programs open to the public. You don’t need to be a member of the faith to receive help. In addition to national networks like St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, and Catholic Charities, many local nonprofits run pantries and meal sites as well.

To find nearby programs, dial 211 to search for food resources in your ZIP code.

Little Free Pantries and Community Fridges

You may have seen small food boxes popping up around your neighborhood—these are often called Little Free Pantries. Similar to Little Free Libraries, these pantries are stocked by local residents with canned goods and other non-perishables. You can find locations using the Little Free Pantry map or check the listings at Freedge.

Community fridges operate on the same principle, offering perishable items in a shared space. Fire stations, malls, and churches are common locations for both.

Gleaning Opportunities for Fresh Produce

If you live in a rural or agricultural area, you might be able to collect leftover produce from farms through gleaning programs. These programs reduce food waste by allowing people to pick unharvested crops after the main harvest. You can search for programs in your area on the National Gleaning Project website, or ask around at local farms and community gardens.

Meal Sites and Community Kitchens

Soup kitchens—now often called community meal sites—still provide hot meals to those in need. Many have adapted to include grab-and-go meals in addition to sit-down services. Groups like Food Not Bombs and Loaves & Fishes frequently host these events, though they may not always be listed online. Ask around in your community, check with churches, or call 211 to locate one near you.

Special Help for Seniors and People with Disabilities

If you’re currently enrolled in Meals on Wheels, be aware that many of their programs rely on government funding and may be affected if the shutdown continues. You can also contact the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116 to find additional local services like meal deliveries, grocery support, and congregate meals.

Senior centers often provide free or low-cost lunches and may have options for transportation or social services. If they ask for a donation you can’t afford, don’t be afraid to ask whether the contribution is required. Many will still serve you even if you cannot pay.

Programs for Children and Families

Organizations like Blessings in a Backpack distribute weekend meals to children through schools. Other youth-based programs—like local Boys & Girls Clubs or YMCA centers—may offer snacks or hot meals to help cover nutritional gaps after school or on weekends.

If your child qualifies, make sure to apply for free or reduced-price school meals. Some schools also send home extra food on Fridays for weekend use. Contact your child’s school or district office to learn what’s available in your area.

Discount Groceries from Food Rescue and Salvage Stores

While not completely free, food rescue programs can stretch your budget dramatically. Apps like Too Good To Go and Flash Food connect you with grocery stores and restaurants selling surplus food at big discounts—sometimes up to 70% off.

You can also find great deals at salvage grocery stores, which sell goods with damaged packaging, seasonal overstock, or items nearing expiration. Check our list of salvage stores to see if there’s one near you.

Other Local Options

If you haven’t found help yet, try calling 211 or visiting FindHelp.org to explore local resources. You can also check your local Buy Nothing Facebook group. While they often fill up fast, these groups sometimes offer food and grocery giveaways—especially around the holidays.

Net Wish is another option for emergency help. This small organization gives direct assistance of $200 or less by mail to those in urgent need. You can apply on the Net Wish website by submitting a request form.

Get Our Food Bank Cookbook – Free During the Shutdown

If you’re receiving unfamiliar ingredients from food banks or pantries, our Food Bank Cookbook can help. It’s packed with simple recipes designed to make the most of what you have on hand. We normally charge $8, but during the shutdown, we’re giving it away for free.

You can download your free copy by signing up through our cookbook page. You’ll also get our email updates three times a week with the latest benefit changes, freebie alerts, and support resources.

Relief Recap

If the shutdown disrupts your SNAP benefits, you still have access to many sources of help—like community fridges, food pantries, gleaning programs, and free meals from local groups. Whether you’re a senior, caregiver, parent, or anyone in between, these options can help you stretch your resources and make sure no one in your household goes hungry.

We’ll continue monitoring the situation and updating you with new resources as they become available. Be sure to check out our other posts and stay connected for the latest updates. You’re not alone—we’re here for you.