Something that I have noticed is I know almost nobody my age that goes to a food pantry. I know people who regularly run out of money for food and in general have to eat an unsuitable diet because that’s what they can afford and they still don’t go to a food bank, im not sure if it’s because they’re embarrassed or maybe if you didn’t grow up going you don’t know much about it but if you’re financially struggling I really recommend it. And look into other options for food assistance too like community fridges and gardens and other programs that can assist you, where I live Salvation Army pays for an allotted amount of grocery delivery for low income people every month, in the summer farmers take excess produce to the library to be taken by anyone who needs it, etc. There are a LOT of resources for free food that you can look into especially if you are literally not eating because of your financial situation
Btw if you have dietary restrictions you can often let them know and in many cases they’ll prioritize certain items for you
Global map of community fridges
Urban Harvest - global foraging maps
Food Not Bombs Global Chapter Locations (mostly vegan!)
USA - Find your local food bank
USA - Meals on Wheels free or reduced cost food delivery (age usually 60+, check your specific area's eligibility
Map of US food banks that can accommodate gluten-free
Good thing to have on hand in the midst of food stamps issues
For fellow federal government employees, those who lose food assistance at the end of the month, and anyone just struggling to get by, here are some resources that can help.
A lot of food pantries, if you tell them, you have a food allergy, will absolutely work with you. I didn’t think about telling them ahead of time, but after Helene when I went to I got a box with several packages of tuna fish (I’m allergic to seafood), so I took the tuna fish packets back so that they could pass them along to someone else who could use them. The woman was very kind and asked me to hang back, then brought me two cans of chicken to replace it. When a friend of mine went two days later to get a box, they had a sign saying that if you had a food allergy, to let them know and they would try to provide a substitute if available. The answers and always “no” if you don’t ask!
If you need food assistance or access to food here are some more food resources:
Database of local food pantries
Free little pantries (like free little libs but for food!)
Food banks, local pantries, and mutual aid resources
Local community fridges
Mutual Aid networks near you
Share widely!
