Food banks, free clinics, mutual aid networks, and community support near you — available right now, without forms, waitlists, or eligibility requirements. If you need help today, start here.
200+ member food banks operating 60,000+ food pantries nationwide. Find the closest one to you in under 60 seconds. No proof of income required at most locations.
Database of local food pantries, soup kitchens, food banks, food shelves, and food assistance programs — searchable by zip code. Includes hours, requirements, and contact info.
Free meals for children 18 and under at thousands of sites — schools, parks, libraries, community centers. During summer and school breaks when school meals aren't available. Call or text 2-1-1.
Free food, formula, and nutrition support for pregnant people, new mothers, and children under 5 who meet income guidelines. Half of all US infants participate. Apply through your local WIC agency.
Monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy groceries. $6/person/day average. Apply through your state — benefits can start within 7 days for low-income households. 42 million people receive SNAP.
Directory of mutual aid networks across the US. Mutual aid is community-organized help — neighbors helping neighbors directly. No bureaucracy, no eligibility requirements, no waitlists. Find a network near you.
Community-maintained free refrigerators stocked with food, open to anyone — no ID, no forms, no questions. The Freedge map lists community fridges across the country. Take what you need, leave what you can.
Free pantries in front of homes and community spaces — like Little Free Libraries, but for food and household supplies. Open 24/7, no registration required.
Hyperlocal Facebook groups and the BuyNothing app where neighbors give away food, clothing, household items, and services — completely free, no exchange. Over 7 million members globally.
1,400+ free clinics across the US providing medical, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services at no cost to uninsured and underserved patients. No insurance required.
14,000+ sites providing primary care, dental, mental health, and pharmacy on a sliding-fee scale — you pay based on what you can afford. Nobody is turned away for inability to pay.
HRSA maintains a searchable map of dental programs offering reduced-cost or free dental care. Dental schools also provide discounted care supervised by licensed dentists.
Database of patient assistance programs from pharmaceutical companies offering free or low-cost medications. Also includes free and charitable clinic directories and diagnosis-based assistance programs.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps pay heating and cooling bills. Federally funded, administered by states. Apply through your state energy office or local community action agency.
Call or text 211 to be connected with local resources: food, housing, utilities, healthcare, employment, and more. Available in all 50 states, 24/7, in multiple languages. It's the single best starting point for any urgent need.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provided discounted internet — the program has ended, but some low-income programs remain. Contact your internet provider about low-income plans. Many offer $10–$15/month options.
Not legal advice. Program rules, income limits, and eligibility requirements change frequently — always verify current rules at the official program website or with a licensed attorney or benefits counselor before making decisions. State programs may differ from federal guidelines. Links to external resources are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement.