When You Run Out Of Food, Call These Two Phone Numbers

Being low on cash and falling behind on bills is a hassle. But not having money to put food on the table is a threat to you and your children’s survival, which is why we will share two significant phone numbers that can help you get a free box of food.

1. 211

While you have 911 etched in your memory to call whenever you have a life-threatening emergency, 211 doesn’t lag far behind in importance. Why? Because you can dial 211 when you need assistance with not only food, but many other areas as well.

In 2020, 27.8 million people used 211 for assistance with food, housing, utility expenses, healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, and more. Dialing those three digits can instantly connect you to a local expert who can tell you where to find food via nearby charities and organizations. And if you feel ashamed of calling 211 for such assistance, you shouldn’t, as statistics show that 41 million people in the U.S. suffer from food insecurity. In other words, you’re not alone, and you should not hesitate to make that phone call.

2. National Hunger Hotline

Here’s a phone number that’s just as essential as 211, but a bit harder to memorize: 866-3-HUNGRY. What is it? The USDA National Hunger Hotline. Like 211, calling that number will put you on the line with a representative who knows where to find free food in your area. And if you need assistance in Spanish, you can get it by calling the alternate hotline at 877-8-HAMBRE.

The National Hunger Hotline functions from Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm. It also functions via text if you do not want to call. You can text a food-related question to 97779 and get an automated response to get the help you need. For instance, if you are out of food, you could text “meals” to 97779 and wait for a response on where to get it.

There are several benefits to calling the National Hunger Hotline for food assistance. Besides the fact that it can connect you with local food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and the like, there are no eligibility requirements. When you call, they will not ask you for an application nor want to know what your income is. They will not ask why you cannot buy your own food either, which is great if you’re reluctant to make the call out of fear of being rejected. What else doesn’t matter when calling this hotline? Your citizenship status, so don’t fret about that either.

Other Forms Of Food Assistance

Calling 211 or the National Hunger Hotline is helpful for emergency assistance, giving you a free box of food. If you need long-term food assistance, your best bet is to apply for food stamps via SNAP. And if you have young children or are pregnant, see what WIC has to offer.

Learn about different programs that offer free food boxes!

Numerous programs are available to help you access fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other food products at no cost. The USDA Food Box Program is one such program that provides assistance. You can also reach out to your local food bank or community organization to check if they participate in the program.

In addition, many local food banks and pantries offer free food boxes to families in need. You can find a food bank in your area by contacting your local government or community organization, or by visiting Feeding America.

Some schools also offer meal programs to assist families in need. Contact your child’s school or local school district to see if they offer such a program. These programs can be very helpful in ensuring that your family has access to nutritious food, even if you are experiencing financial difficulties.