Food assistance locator
Find food banks, food pantries and free meal programs
The Free Food Project is a free location-search tool. Enter a city, ZIP code or postal code above to find nearby food banks, food pantries and community meal programs. Results can help you identify possible locations and check whether a listing may be open now.
Call before travelling. Hours, eligibility rules, inventory and services can change. The Free Food Project does not operate the organizations shown in search results and cannot guarantee that every listing is complete or current.
How to use the free food locator
Enter your location
Search with a city, ZIP code or Canadian postal code. Selecting a suggested city can improve location accuracy.
Review nearby options
Compare nearby food banks, pantries and meal programs. Review the address, distance and available listing details.
Confirm before visiting
Contact the organization to confirm its hours, service area, identification requirements and food availability.
What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
A food bank generally collects and stores large quantities of donated or purchased food, then supplies community organizations. A food pantry usually distributes groceries directly to individuals and households. Some organizations perform both roles, and local terminology can vary.
Other food-assistance options can include community fridges, mobile pantries, soup kitchens, school meal programs, shelters and scheduled grocery distributions.
What to expect when requesting food assistance
Every program has its own procedures. Before visiting, ask about the following:
- Whether an appointment or registration is required
- Whether you must live within a specific service area
- Which identification or household information may be requested
- How often you may receive groceries or meals
- Whether dietary, allergy-related or culturally appropriate options are available
Who can use a food bank or pantry?
Food assistance is intended for people who need help obtaining enough food. This can include families, workers with reduced hours, students, newcomers, seniors and people dealing with an unexpected expense or loss of income. Some programs have local eligibility rules, while others provide food with minimal paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need identification to use a food bank?
Requirements vary. Some programs request identification, proof of address or basic household information, while others provide help with minimal paperwork. Contact the location before visiting.
Is food from a food bank free?
Most food banks, food pantries and community meal programs provide food at no cost. Eligibility rules and visit limits can vary by organization.
What should I do if no results appear?
Try a nearby city or a broader postal or ZIP code. You can also contact 211 or use a national food-bank network locator for additional local referrals.
Are listed hours guaranteed to be current?
No. Hours and services can change, especially on holidays or during emergencies. Always contact the organization directly before travelling.
Can food programs support dietary needs?
Availability varies. Ask the local program about allergy-aware, vegetarian, halal, kosher, gluten-free or other appropriate options.
Additional trusted food-assistance resources
When a local listing is unavailable or you need additional help, these established organizations provide food-assistance referrals:
211 Canada
Search for food, housing, healthcare and other community services across Canada.
Visit official resourceUnited Way 211
Find food programs and other local support services in the United States.
Visit official resourceFood Banks Canada
Use the national network locator to search for a food bank in Canada.
Visit official resourceFeeding America
Search by ZIP code for food banks and partner programs in the United States.
Visit official resourceHow the locator works
The search tool uses location information and third-party place data to display possible food-assistance organizations near the location entered. The Free Food Project is an independent directory and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or responsible for the organizations listed.
To report an incorrect or missing listing, email admin@thefreefood.com with the organization name, city and corrected information.