I Need Food or Meals
Start with what can’t wait. If someone needs food today, solve today’s food problem first.
If Food Is Needed Today
Ask someone who may be able to provide food now: family, friends, neighbors, a faith community, or a social worker already involved.
Say:
“I need food today. What’s available now?”
If they can’t help today, ask:
“Who else is providing food now?”
Then make that call next.
If no one you know can help today, call 211 and ask for a pantry or meal program open today. You can also call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479 on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.
If you’re the caregiver and you’re the one without enough food, these resources are for you too.
If Someone Can’t Get or Prepare Food
For an older adult, ask the local Area Agency on Aging about home-delivered meals, community meals, and help getting groceries. Find it through the Eldercare Locator below.
Tell them about chewing, swallowing, or diet needs, and ask when meals can actually begin.
If Illness Is Making Eating or Drinking Difficult
Tell the nurse or clinician what changed and whether the person can still eat or drink safely.
“They’re eating and drinking much less than usual. Is this an expected change, and what should we do now?”
If the person is on hospice, call the hospice 24-hour number.
Eating and drinking less can happen near the end of life. Don’t force food. Ask the hospice or medical team what to expect and how to keep the person comfortable.
If you aren’t sure what the change means, see I Think Someone May Be Dying →
If There Isn’t Enough Money for Groceries
Apply for SNAP through your state’s SNAP office. A social worker or food pantry may be able to help with the application.
If someone is pregnant, recently pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under 5, check WIC too.
If children are in the household, ask the school or school district about free meals and other food help available through the school.
If there’s almost no food or money, ask whether the household qualifies for expedited SNAP. Eligible households can receive benefits within 7 days.
Don’t wait for a benefits decision if food is needed today.
If Someone Is Leaving the Hospital
If food will be a problem at home, tell the discharge planner before the person leaves.
Ask when meals or food help will actually start.
Helpful Resources
Find food pantries, meal programs, and other local help. Also dial 211.
Find your local food bank, nearby food distributions, SNAP application help, and other food resources.
Find food resources near you. Call 1-866-348-6479, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. Or text a word like “food” with your ZIP code to 914-342-7744.
Home-delivered meals, group meals, and grocery help for older adults. Also 1-800-677-1116.
Find a local Meals on Wheels provider for older adults who have difficulty shopping for food, preparing meals, or getting out.