Facing Food Insecurity?
The ongoing changes surrounding federal programs like SNAP benefits and the anxiety of government shutdowns can create real anxiety and hardship for families. If you are struggling to find food or access essential services this month, please know that you are not alone.
At The Arc Baltimore, we want to ensure everyone in our community has access to the support they need. We’ve compiled a list of resources that can help bridge the gap and provide crucial assistance.
Essential Resources for Food Access
Immediate and Broad Assistance
One-Stop Site for Help: Start with FindHelp.org to search for free or reduced-cost programs and services in your area, including food, housing, and financial assistance.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): This program often has higher income allowances than SNAP. Look up instructions for filling out the application here.
Local Community Meals: Request a free, homemade lasagna or sign up to volunteer at lasagnalove.org. Note: There may be a waiting period depending on the number of requests and local volunteers.
Meals for Seniors and People with Disabilities: Explore eligibility for prepared meals through Mom’s Meals (for people over 65 or disabled).
Baby Formula: If you are in need of formula, check out The Free Formula Exchange.
Smart Shopping and Waste Reduction Apps
These apps help connect you with discounted food that would otherwise go to waste:
Too Good To Go: Join the food waste movement and snag discounted meals and groceries nearing their expiration date. Learn more at Too Good To Go.
Flashfood: Find discounts on food at partnering grocery stores through the Flashfood | Locations app.
Olio: This community sharing app lets you give and get food from your neighbors. While it’s still growing in the US, you can start by sharing! Find ideas on how to get started here (Instagram Reel).
- Instacart: Instacart offers 50% off groceries to active SNAP customers on their next order and launches online donation drives for 300 food banks. Link.
- DoorDash: Project DASH – DoorDash launches an emergency food response delivering 1 million free meals through food banks and waiving fees for 300K SNAP recipient grocery stores. For food banks, if you are interested in partnering with Project DASH, contact projectdash@doordash.com.
Specialized Programs
Project Food Box: Find details on fresh food programs at Project Food Box.
Urban Farming Institutions: Locate an urban farming resource for your state or US territory here.
SNAP Recipient Discount
Gopuff Offer: SNAP recipients may be eligible for $50 free groceries in November with Gopuff. Directions on how to sign up here.
When Food and Medicine Collide
If you are forced to choose between feeding your family and affording necessary medication, there is help available:
Pharmaceutical Company Assistance: Learn how to request medications directly from pharmaceutical companies using the instructions found here.
Transportation and Crisis Support
Ride United’s Transportation Access: United Way’s program aims to reduce travel barriers for essential services. Learn more at United Way Worldwide.
Dial 211: Your local 211 line is a crucial resource that can connect you with many other community services not listed here.
Crisis Support: If your situation is causing feelings of hopelessness or despair, please know that it is an understandable reaction. You can reach out anytime to the National Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
How You Can Help Your Community
If you are adequately fed and housed, you can still make a difference. Share the resources above, and consider these impactful ways to support neighbors in need:
Support Local Schools: Donate food, money, or household supplies to your kids’ schools, as they are essential hubs for supporting families.
Donate to Food Pantries: Donate money, as pantries know how to stretch dollars further. If you prefer to donate food, always check with them first to find out what items they actually need and can accept.
Organize a Food Drive: Coordinate a drive at work or in your community, but connect with your local pantry to ensure you collect the most needed items.
Personal Support: Cook and drop off a meal to a family you know is struggling, or volunteer to cook for a local community meal.
Advocate for Change: Call your representatives and demand action on healthcare and food access. Food and healthcare should be basic human rights.
Text SIGN PKJTCO to 50409 to send an email to your representatives.
Use the No Kid Hungry tool to easily write to your representative.
Together, we can ensure that our neighbors have access to the essentials they need to thrive.
