If the federal government shutdown has halted your SNAP (EBT) benefits, finding food for your family is the number one priority. This can be a frightening and stressful time, but help is available. Food banks, churches, and local non-profits are mobilizing to fill the gap. This resource guide will empower you to help yourself, and your vulnerable neighbors.
How Your Church Can Help
Many local congregations have been coordinating with regional food banks or networks to expand their pantry hours and boost their stock. But if you belong to a church and don’t see any mobilization happening, now is a good time to ask your pastor about arranging emergency food distributions or partnering with local nonprofits to help meet community food needs. Click here to jump to the end of this article for a quick resource guide specifically for churches.
Get the Latest on SNAP
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provides a State Directory of Resources for SNAP with each state’s contact information. Some states have reserves to continue funding through November. Find your local office: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
If you need immediate help with food, try 1-800-5-HUNGRY (WhyHunger) or text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479.
Starting Local
Before you go to any of these places, it’s best to call first. Pantries and soup kitchens are experiencing very high demand. Calling first ensures you know their current hours, if they even have food available, and what information you may need to bring.
These are the fastest ways to find food pantries nearest to you.
Dial 211: This is the most direct way to get help. Call 211 or visit 211.org to be connected with a local specialist who can tell you which pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency services are near you.
Feeding America: This is the largest network of food banks in the country. Their website has a “Find Your Local Food Bank” tool. Your local food bank is the main supplier for hundreds of smaller, local pantries. Website: FeedingAmerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
FoodFinder: This is another simple, map-based tool for locating food assistance. Website: FoodFinder.us
Food Pantries: Another resource to locate food pantries near you. Website: https://www.foodpantries.org/
Churches and Other Faith-Based Orgs
Churches and faith-based groups are often on the frontline when meeting community needs.
Your Local Churches: Call churches in your neighborhood, even if you are not a member or have never set foot in the building. Many have their own food pantries or benevolence funds set aside specifically to help people in an emergency.
The Salvation Army: Nearly every community has a Salvation Army center, and they are a primary source of food assistance and hot meals. Website: SalvationArmyUSA.org
Catholic Charities: This is another major national organization that provides extensive social services, including food. Website: CatholicCharitiesUSA.org
Society of St. Vincent de Paul: This Catholic lay organization is dedicated to helping those in need. SVdP USA does not provide direct assistance to those in need. Instead, search the internet for “Society of St. Vincent de Paul” and the name of your city or town.
Specific Help for Children and Seniors
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): If you are pregnant, a new mother, or have children under 5, contact your local WIC office immediately. WIC is funded differently than SNAP and may still be operating in many states. Find your local WIC office: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/program-contacts
Local School Districts: Check your local school district’s website or social media. They often have emergency plans to ensure children who rely on school meals can still get food.
Meals on Wheels: If you are a senior or know a senior who is homebound, Meals on Wheels may be able to help. Website: MealsOnWheelsAmerica.org/find-meals
The government website also offers a director to find senior-specific farmer’s markets: https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/program-contacts
Other Community-Based Resources
Little Free Pantry: These are small, “take what you need, leave what you can” boxes in local neighborhoods. Website: LittleFreePantry.org
Community Fridges: Search social media or Google for “community fridge + (your city)” to find refrigerators that are publicly accessible 24/7.
How Churches Can Help Right Now
As SNAP/EBT benefits are disrupted, churches can make an immediate impact in their neighborhoods.
- Open or expand a food pantry: Use the fellowship hall or classroom space; extend hours and partner with local food banks. Consider relaxing usual restrictions.
- Host a “Community Grocery Pop-Up” or farmers’ market: Work with local farmers or the Black Church Food Security Network to bring fresh produce to your grounds.
- Provide emergency grocery gift cards: Collect a special offering for grocery or supermarket cards ($25-$50 each) and distribute discreetly to families in need.
- Coordinate meal prep & delivery: Mobilize ministry groups to cook and deliver meals to seniors, shut-ins, and single-parent homes.
- Share accurate information: Announce local pantry hours, state hotlines, and SNAP updates during worship and on social media.
- Partner with nearby congregations: Pool volunteers, storage, and food-drive efforts to cover more households together.
- Start a small garden: Turn unused church lawns or lots into a community garden for fresh greens and herbs.
- Pair prayer with action: Offer prayer gatherings for families facing food insecurity, and follow the solemn moment with a meal or grocery distribution.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food…” — Matthew 25:35
Editor’s note: This article links to various resources tailored to meeting food needs and was compiled with the help of AI. We have done our best to confirm the validity of the information and links, and apologize for any errors you may encounter. You are encouraged to notify us of corrections.
