What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

Food banks are large nonprofit organizations that collect, store, and distribute food to other organizations rather than directly to individuals. Food pantries are community-based sites where individuals and families can pick up groceries directly, often located in churches, schools, and community centers.

What government food assistance programs are available?

Key government programs include TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) which supplies USDA foods to food banks, CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) for seniors, SFSP (Summer Food Service Program) for children during summer, and NSLP (National School Lunch Program) for school meals.

Are there specialized food programs for seniors and children?

Yes, there are specialized programs including Meals on Wheels and senior food boxes for older adults, and backpack programs, weekend food for kids, and school-based pantries for children. There are also culturally specific programs like Kosher and Halal food pantries.

What are community fridges and how do they work?

Community fridges are publicly accessible refrigerators and pantries operating on a take what you need, leave what you can basis. They represent grassroots, community-driven mutual aid initiatives that provide self-serve access to food, often in urban neighborhoods.

Types of Food Assistance Programs

Q: How can I find mobile food pantries in my area?

Mobile food pantries can be found through our search tool at FoodBankSearch.com. These are trucks or pop-up distribution sites that bring food directly into neighborhoods, especially serving rural or underserved areas with scheduled distributions.

Understanding the different types of food assistance organizations and programs available to help you and your family access nutritious food.

Comprehensive Guide Updated Information

Food Assistance Organizations

Learn about the different types of organizations that provide food assistance

Food Banks

Large nonprofit organizations that collect, store, and distribute food to other organizations rather than directly to individuals.

Warehouses and distribution centers
Supply food pantries and meal programs
Partner with Feeding America network

Examples: Greater Chicago Food Depository, regional food banks

Find Local Food Banks

Food Pantries

Community-based sites where individuals and families can pick up groceries directly, often located in churches, schools, and community centers.

Direct grocery distribution
Community-based locations
Many are open access

Requirements: Often require proof of residency or income

Find Food Pantries

Mobile Food Pantries

Trucks or pop-up distribution sites that bring food directly into neighborhoods, especially serving rural or underserved areas.

Brings food to neighborhoods
Serves rural and underserved areas
Scheduled distributions

Benefits: Reaches people who can't get to traditional pantries

Find Mobile Pantries

Community Meal Programs

Locations where cooked meals are served at no cost, including soup kitchens and community dining programs.

Hot, prepared meals
No cost to participants
Serves everyone in need

Examples: Salvation Army meal programs, church-based hot meal sites

Find Meal Programs

Community Fridges

Publicly accessible refrigerators and pantries where people can "take what you need, leave what you can" in a grassroots, community-driven approach.

Grassroots initiative
Self-serve access
Often in urban neighborhoods

Concept: Community-driven mutual aid

Find Community Resources

Community Organizations

Various local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community groups that provide food assistance and support services.

Local nonprofit organizations
Faith-based assistance
Additional support services

Services: Often provide holistic support beyond just food

Explore Resources

Government-Funded Food Assistance Programs

Federal programs that provide food assistance through various channels

TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)

Supplies USDA foods to food banks and pantries for distribution to low-income households.

CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)

Provides monthly food boxes specifically designed for low-income seniors aged 60 and older.

SFSP (Summer Food Service Program)

Ensures children continue to receive nutritious meals during summer when school is not in session.

NSLP (National School Lunch Program)

Provides free and reduced-price meals to children through schools and summer programs.

Learn About SNAP Benefits

Specialized Food Programs

Programs designed to meet specific demographic and dietary needs

Senior-Focused Programs

Meals on Wheels
Senior food boxes
Congregate meal sites

Child-Focused Programs

Backpack programs
Weekend food for kids
School-based pantries

Cultural/Ethnic Programs

Kosher food pantries
Halal food programs
Latino community pantries

Find Food Assistance Now

Find Food

Search by location

SNAP Benefits

Apply for food stamps

Get Help Now

Contact support

More Resources

Additional information

Quick Reference Summary

Here's a quick overview of the main types of food assistance programs:

Food Banks: Warehouses/distributors

Food Pantries: Direct grocery pick-up sites

Mobile Pantries: Traveling distribution

Community Meals: Hot meals served

Government Programs: Federally funded food distribution

Specialized Programs: Seniors, children, culturally tailored

Community Fridges: Grassroots, self-serve

For Seniors: Meals on Wheels

Each state has Meals on Wheels coordination sites with hotlines and referral numbers. Contact your local area agency on aging or visit the national Meals on Wheels website to find services in your area.