Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. If money for food is tight right now, I'm really glad you're here. Nobody should have to choose between rent and groceries, and there is real help in Florida for exactly this.
Here is the easy first step: dial 211 and say "I need food today." Then use this guide to line up the longer term help, like SNAP and WIC, so next month is easier.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise food, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
If you need to eat today, here is the quickest path. Food banks don't usually hand out food themselves.
They supply local pantries, soup kitchens and mobile pantries, and their websites have maps to find the one closest to you.
How to find food today, step by step
- Dial 211 and say your city or ZIP code and "I need food today."
- Ask for the closest food pantry or hot meal that's open today, and the hours.
- Check your county's food bank map in the county list later in this guide.
- Ask what to bring. Some pantries ask for an ID or proof of address, and many don't.
- Bring bags or a box if you can, and plan for a wait.
- If you can't get there, ask 211 about delivery or mobile pantries near you.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I need food for [number] people today. I'm near [your city or ZIP]."
"Is there a pantry or a hot meal open today? What time?"
"Do I need to bring anything, like an ID?"
"I don't have a way to cook." Say so, and ask about ready to eat food.
Bring your own bags
A couple of sturdy bags or a small box makes carrying food home so much easier. A cooler bag is great for anything cold. Easy peasy!
How do I apply for SNAP in Florida?
SNAP (food stamps) puts money for groceries on an EBT card every month. In Florida, SNAP is run by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) through ACCESS Florida, and applying is always at no cost.
DCF says there are four ways to apply:
- Online. The quickest way is to apply at https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com
- At a DCF Family Resource Center.
- At a DCF Community Partner. These are local groups that can help you apply. DCF has a Community Partner Search page.
- On paper. You can download, print and send in a paper application.
SNAP can buy most food for your household, like fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, bread, snacks, and even seeds and plants that grow food. The USDA says SNAP can't buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins or supplements, hot foods, pet food, or nonfood items like cleaning supplies, paper products and hygiene items.
Say you get SSI
Say you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and you live alone. DCF says you may be able to get food help through the SUNCAP program without any extra application, paperwork or interviews.
If you already get regular food assistance, DCF says you may be moved into SUNCAP automatically. If you're not sure, call ACCESS Florida and ask.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
Before you apply for SNAP, gather what you can
Applying for SNAP is never a bother and it's never a handout. It's there for exactly this season of life, my friend.
From the Bunklow team
What is WIC, and who can get it?
WIC is for families with little ones. The Florida Department of Health says WIC supports women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, women who were recently pregnant, infants, and children under age 5, who have a low or moderate income, are at nutrition risk, and live in Florida.
It offers healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and referrals.
The USDA says that if you or your children get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you may already be income eligible for WIC.
What Florida WIC asks you to bring to your appointment
How do I call WIC in my county?
Here are the local WIC numbers the Florida Department of Health lists for the counties in this guide. State WIC office: 800.342.3556.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wic/index.html
Here is an easy one
If you're expecting or have a baby, call WIC before your appointment and ask what to bring. One quick call can save you a second trip.
What other food help is out there?
- School meals. The USDA National School Lunch Program offers low cost or no cost lunches to children at school. Ask your child's school office how to apply. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp
- Older adults, 60 and up. The USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers a monthly food package for people with low income who are at least 60. Ask 211 or your county food bank how to sign up. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp
- Hot meals. Many churches, missions and day centers serve no cost meals. In Miami Dade, the Homeless Trust lists long running meal sites like Camillus House Day Center and Miami Rescue Mission.
- Mobile pantries. Food banks often bring trucks of food to neighborhoods. Check the food bank map for your county.
How do I make my food go further?
These are simple ideas, not rules. Use what fits.
- Plan a few meals around what the pantry gave you before you shop.
- Buy store brands and big bags of rice, beans and oats when you can.
- Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables count, and they last.
- If you don't have a kitchen, ask pantries for ready to eat items and pop top cans.
- Keep your EBT card and PIN safe. Never share your PIN. Lost card? Call 888.356.3281.
Say your family needs food for the week in Orlando
Say you have two kids and the fridge is almost empty. You could dial 211, then check the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida map at https://www.feedhopenow.org/find-food for a pantry near you.
The same day, you could apply for SNAP online through ACCESS Florida, and if your youngest is under 5, call Orange County WIC at 407.858.1494.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an ID to get food from a pantry?
It depends on the pantry. Many don't ask for anything. Call ahead or ask 211.
Can I get SNAP if I don't have a home address?
You can still apply. Tell ACCESS Florida your situation and ask how to get mail and your EBT card.
Does applying for SNAP cost anything?
No. DCF says applying is always at no cost. Be careful of anyone who asks for money to help you apply.
Can I use SNAP for diapers or soap?
No. The USDA says SNAP can't buy nonfood items like hygiene products and paper goods. Ask pantries and 211 about those.
I lost my EBT card. What now?
Call 888.356.3281 to report it lost or stolen and ask for a new one.
Can I get WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes, many families do. The USDA says getting SNAP may already make you income eligible for WIC.
You're taking care of your family
Asking for food help is a smart, strong thing to do. I'm proud of you for doing it, and I'm happy you're here!
Here is where to look near you. Every food bank below has a map or phone line to find a pantry close to home.
If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
SNAP (federal food benefits)
What it offers SNAP helps people with low incomes buy groceries. The USDA page explains who may qualify. In Florida you apply through ACCESS Florida.
How to reach Learn more at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
Source https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Florida
Here are some places to start.
ACCESS Florida (Department of Children and Families)
What it offers Apply online at no cost for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid and cash help, or apply through a DCF Community Partner. Applying is always at no cost.
How to reach Apply at https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com. Lost or expired EBT card: call 888.356.3281.
Source https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/public-assistance/applying-for-assistance
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 (United Way 211)
What it offers Dial 211 to reach your local 211. A real person can connect you with help paying bills, food, housing, crisis support and more.
How to reach Dial 211. Learn more at https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Source https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Miami Dade County
Here are some places to start.
Feeding South Florida
What it offers Food help in South Florida through neighborhood pantries and partner agencies, plus help with benefits.
How to reach Learn more at https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
Source https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Camillus House Day Center
What it offers A long running hot meal site for people without housing, per the Miami Dade Homeless Trust. Meals Monday to Friday at 8:30 am, and Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 pm. Times can change.
How to reach 1603 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33136.
Source https://www.homelesstrust.org/homeless-trust/homeless-about/home.page
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)
Here are some places to start.
Feeding South Florida
What it offers Food help in South Florida through neighborhood pantries and partner agencies, plus help with benefits.
How to reach Learn more at https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
Source https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Palm Beach County
Here are some places to start.
Feeding South Florida
What it offers Food help in South Florida through neighborhood pantries and partner agencies, plus help with benefits.
How to reach Learn more at https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
Source https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hillsborough County (Tampa)
Here are some places to start.
Feeding Tampa Bay
What it offers Food help in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and nearby counties. Use the Find Food map.
How to reach Find food at https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/ or call 813.254.1190.
Source https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County (Orlando)
Here are some places to start.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
What it offers Food help through partners in Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. 411 Mercy Drive, Orlando.
How to reach Find food at https://www.feedhopenow.org/find-food or call 407.295.1066.
Source https://www.feedhopenow.org/find-food
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Duval County (Jacksonville)
Here are some places to start.
Feeding Northeast Florida
What it offers Find no cost groceries or a hot meal at a pantry, soup kitchen, shelter or mobile distribution in Duval and nearby counties.
How to reach Search the map at https://feedingnefl.org/find-food/
Source https://feedingnefl.org/find-food/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Clara White Mission
What it offers Meals and groceries for neighbors in need in Jacksonville. Listed on the Changing Homelessness help list.
How to reach 613 W. Ashley St. Call 904.354.4162.
Source https://www.clarawhitemission.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
City Rescue Mission
What it offers Meals, a place to sleep and clean clothes for people in need, plus recovery programs.
How to reach Call 904.421.5161.
Source https://www.crmjax.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pinellas County (St. Petersburg and Clearwater)
Here are some places to start.
Feeding Tampa Bay
What it offers Food help in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and nearby counties. Use the Find Food map.
How to reach Find food at https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/ or call 813.254.1190.
Source https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lee County (Fort Myers)
Here are some places to start.
Harry Chapin Food Bank
What it offers Food help in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee counties. 3760 Fowler Street, Fort Myers.
How to reach Call 239.334.7007.
Source https://www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Community Cooperative
What it offers A soup kitchen in Fort Myers and a monthly mobile food pantry schedule posted on its site.
How to reach See times and places at https://www.communitycooperative.com/
Source https://www.communitycooperative.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Polk County (Lakeland)
Here are some places to start.
Feeding Tampa Bay
What it offers Food help in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and nearby counties. Use the Find Food map.
How to reach Find food at https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/ or call 813.254.1190.
Source https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Brevard County
Here are some places to start.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
What it offers Food help through partners in Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties. 411 Mercy Drive, Orlando.
How to reach Find food at https://www.feedhopenow.org/find-food or call 407.295.1066.
Source https://www.feedhopenow.org/find-food
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Osceola and Seminole counties
Here are some places to start.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
What it offers Food help through partner pantries in Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia counties.
How to reach Find food at https://www.feedhopenow.org/find-food or call 407.295.1066.
Source https://www.feedhopenow.org/find-food
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pasco County
Here are some places to start.
Feeding Tampa Bay
What it offers Food help in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and nearby counties. Use the Find Food map.
How to reach Find food at https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/ or call 813.254.1190.
Source https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
What to bring to a food pantry, if you can
My food plan for this week
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Food today and this week
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 16, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
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