How to get emergency food assistance
You can get immediate food help from government and private organizations. If you are hungry now, learn where to find food in your area.
Get immediate food assistance through government agencies or private organizations:
- Call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273). Information is available in English and Spanish. The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Use HUD's Find Shelter tool to enter your zip code and find your closest food pantry.
- Get emergency food stamps after experiencing a presidentially declared disaster through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).
- Apply for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) through your state agency.
- Contact community or religious organizations to find a local food bank or food pantry.
- Call 211 to find agencies and community organizations that can assist you with finding food in an emergency.
-
Image
Find more government programs that can help during tough financial times.
Facing financial hardship
LAST UPDATED: December 23, 2025
Have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They will get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
Call USAGov
Chat with USAGov