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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
SNAP (food stamps) helps pay for groceries. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Human Services runs it, and benefits go on an EBT ACCESS card each month.
Applying is always at no cost, and you don't need to know if you qualify before you apply.
- Online at COMPASS, https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/ You can apply for SNAP, Medical Assistance, CHIP and cash help in one place. You can also apply in person at your County Assistance Office, or by mail.
- Questions about your application? Call the DHS Helpline at 1.800.692.7462, or use the myCOMPASS PA app to check your application and upload papers.
- Want help applying? Some food banks help people apply, like the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (412.460.3663 ext. 655) and the Chester County Food Bank (610.873.6000).
The USDA says SNAP can buy food for the household, and seeds and plants that grow food. It can't buy beer, wine, liquor, tobacco, vitamins or medicines, food that is hot when you buy it, or things that aren't food, like pet food, cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items or cosmetics.
Sources: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap and https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items
Say your new ACCESS card just came in the mail
DHS says you pick a PIN to use with your ACCESS card. You can check your balance and transactions in the myCOMPASS PA app or the ConnectEBT app, and you can lock your card in ConnectEBT whenever you're not shopping.
Benefits you don't use stay in your account for nine months, so there's no need to rush and spend it all at once.
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.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap/ebt
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 Pennsylvania Department of Health says WIC is for women who are pregnant or had a baby in the past six months (or twelve months if breastfeeding), and for infants and children under age five.
Fathers, grandparents and foster parents who are a child's legal guardian can apply for the child. You must live in Pennsylvania, have a nutrition or medical need, and have household income at or under 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/maternal-health-and-infant-care/wic
What WIC may ask you to bring
How do I find WIC near me?
Pennsylvania WIC has a short prescreening tool and an online pre application. Your information goes to the WIC agency in your county.
- Call the WIC Hotline at 1.800.942.9467 (1.800.WIC.WINS) to ask questions and set up an appointment.
- After you send the pre application, WIC staff contact you to schedule an appointment to review it.
- Ask what to bring and whether any part can be done by phone.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/maternal-health-and-infant-care/wic
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?
- Kids and older adults. See the next two questions for school meals, SUN Bucks and senior programs.
- Hot meals. Many churches, missions and day centers serve no cost meals. In Philadelphia, the Philabundance Find Food map lets you filter for emergency kitchens and same day food distributions.
- Mobile pantries. Food banks often bring trucks of food to neighborhoods. Check the food bank map for your county.
How can my kids get food at school and over the summer?
- No cost breakfast for every student. As of October 17, 2026, the PA Department of Education says that since the 2023 to 2024 school year, all students at schools in the School Breakfast Program get breakfast at no cost. No application is needed for breakfast.
- School lunch. Lunch may still be at no cost or low cost based on income. Ask your child's school office for a at no cost and reduced price meal application. If your family gets SNAP or TANF, your child usually qualifies without filling out a form.
- SUN Bucks (Summer EBT). DHS says SUN Bucks gives a one time payment of $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries while school is out. Children who get SNAP or TANF, or were approved at no cost or reduced price school meals, are automatically eligible. Most children on Medicaid are too.
- SUN Bucks goes on your existing EBT ACCESS card, or a new Summer EBT card comes in the mail. The last day to apply for summer 2026 was August 31, 2026. Applications sent after that are held for summer 2027. Use the Eligibility Navigator on the DHS site to see if you need to apply.
Sources: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/programs-and-services/schools/food-and-nutrition/programs/school-breakfast-program and https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/summer-ebt
Keep that card!
If a Summer EBT card shows up in the mail, keep it, even after the money is used. DHS may load future SUN Bucks onto the same card. You've got this!
What food help is there for older adults?
As of October 17, 2026, the PA Department of Aging lists these programs for people 60 and older:
- No cost meals at Senior Community Centers. There are over 500 centers in Pennsylvania. Meals are usually served once a day around noon, for people 60 and up and their spouses. Meals are at no cost, and you can choose to give a donation.
- Meals delivered to your home, for people who qualify. Call your local Area Agency on Aging to ask.
- Senior Food Box. A no cost monthly box of shelf stable food, like milk, canned meats, peanut butter, pasta, fruit, vegetables, juice and cereal, for people 60 and older with low income. Call 1.800.468.2433 to be connected to the food bank that serves your area.
- Senior Farmers Market checks. Five $5 checks, $25 in all, once a year, for Pennsylvania grown fruits and vegetables at approved farm stands and markets. They're handed out June 1 to September 30, first come, first served, through your Area Agency on Aging, and can be used until November 30.
- SNAP. Older adults can get SNAP too. Call the SNAP helpline at 1.800.692.7462 to get started.
Sources: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging/aging-programs-and-services/meals-and-food-assistance and https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/food/food-assistance/farmers-market-nutrition-programs
Say your grandmother lives alone in Pittsburgh
Say your grandmother is 72, lives alone in Allegheny County and has trouble getting to the store. You could call the PA Senior Food Box line at 1.800.468.2433. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank says boxes in its area go out through agencies, senior high rises and home delivery, so ask about the site closest to her. You could also call her Area Agency on Aging about home delivered meals.
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://pittsburghfoodbank.org/what-we-do/individuals-families/senior-boxes/
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 1.888.328.7366, any time.
Say your family needs food for the week in Chester County
Say you have two kids and the fridge is almost empty. You could use the Chester County Food Bank's Food Finder map, or call the Food Bank at 610.873.6000, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, to find the cupboard closest to you.
The same day, you could apply for SNAP on COMPASS (the Food Bank can help with that too), and if your youngest is under 5, call the WIC Hotline at 1.800.942.9467.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
How do I use my ACCESS card and keep it safe?
Your Pennsylvania ACCESS card works like a debit card for your SNAP and cash benefits. Here's what the Department of Human Services says.
Paying at the store
- Swipe your card in the store's payment machine.
- Pick "EBT."
- Enter your PIN yourself.
- Keep the receipt. It shows how much is left on your card.
Keep your benefits safe
A few more things that help:
- If you get cash assistance, it goes on the same card. You can take cash out at ATMs or get cash back at stores that offer it. DHS keeps a list of ATMs that don't charge a fee. If an ATM warns you about a surcharge, you can cancel and try one on the list.
- Moving? Keep your address and contact information up to date with DHS, so you don't miss a notice.
Sources: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap/ebt and https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap
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. Ask your County Assistance Office, a shelter or 211 how to get mail and your ACCESS card while you don't have an address.
Does applying for SNAP cost anything?
No. 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 items and paper products. Ask pantries and 211 about those.
I lost my ACCESS card. What now?
Call the EBT Recipient Hotline at 1.888.328.7366 right away. It's open 24/7.
Can I get WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes, many families do. Ask about both when you apply.
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.
Pennsylvania
Here are some places to start.
SNAP (food benefits)
What it offers Monthly benefits to help buy groceries. Apply online, in person at your County Assistance Office, or on paper by mail.
How to reach Apply at www.compass.dhs.pa.gov. DHS Helpline 1.800.692.7462 (TTY 1.800.451.5886).
Source https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap
Last checked October 17, 2026
PA WIC
What it offers Food and nutrition help for pregnant women, new and breastfeeding moms, infants and children under five. Dads, grandparents and foster parents who are legal guardians can apply for a child. Income limits apply.
How to reach Call 1.800.942.9467 (1.800.WIC.WINS) or start a pre application at pawic.com
Source https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/maternal-health-and-infant-care/wic
Last checked October 17, 2026
PA 211
What it offers No cost help finding local services across Pennsylvania: shelter, food, bills, health and more. Open 24/7, every day of the year.
How to reach Dial 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211. Search online at search.pa211.org
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Philadelphia
Here are some places to start.
Philadelphia no cost food locator
What it offers A City map of no cost food and meal sites. Enter an address to see what's nearby.
How to reach https://phila.gov/food or call 311.
Source https://www.phila.gov/2022-09-28-how-to-find-free-food-in-philadelphia/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Philabundance Find Food map
What it offers A map of food pantries, food cupboards, emergency kitchens and same day food and produce distributions. Search near your location and filter by type.
How to reach https://www.philabundance.org/find-food/
Source https://www.philabundance.org/find-food/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)
Here are some places to start.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
What it offers A Food Finder that shows nearby pantries by ZIP code, plus help applying for SNAP.
How to reach Food Finder at findfood.pittsburghfoodbank.org. Call 412.460.3663 x655. SNAP help 1.833.822.7627, or text SNAP to 412.435.4446.
Source https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/find-food/get-help/
Last checked October 17, 2026
PA Senior Food Box through the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
What it offers A no cost monthly food box for people 60 and older with household income at or below 150% of the poverty level, in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Somerset counties. Boxes go out through agencies, senior high rises and home delivery.
How to reach Call the Food Bank at 412.460.3663 to find the site nearest you, or call the state line at 1.800.468.2433.
Source https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/what-we-do/individuals-families/senior-boxes/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Montgomery County
Here are some places to start.
MontCo Anti Hunger Network
What it offers A map and resource guide of food pantries and food resources across Montgomery County. Pantry schedules change often, so call before you go. Help applying for SNAP is listed on the page too.
How to reach https://www.montcoantihunger.org/do-you-need-food.html
Source https://www.montcoantihunger.org/do-you-need-food.html
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bucks County
Here are some places to start.
Bucks County Opportunity Council food pantries
What it offers A map and list of food pantries with hours across Upper, Central and Lower Bucks County. Some ask you to call for an appointment.
How to reach https://bcoc.org/food-pantries-map/
Source https://bcoc.org/food-pantries-map/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Delaware County
Here are some places to start.
Share Food Program Find Food map
What it offers A map of no cost food at pantries, food distribution sites and 24/7 community fridges in the Greater Philadelphia region, with printable lists for Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
How to reach https://www.sharefoodprogram.org/find-food/
Source https://www.sharefoodprogram.org/find-food/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lancaster County
Here are some places to start.
PA 211 East
What it offers Lancaster County's 211 center can point you to food help, along with utilities, rent help and more.
How to reach Dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898211.
Source https://east.pa211.org/coordinated-entry/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Chester County
Here are some places to start.
Chester County Food Bank
What it offers A Food Finder map of local food cupboards, all open to the public. If you aren't sure which cupboard is closest, call and they'll help. They also help people apply for SNAP.
How to reach Call 610.873.6000, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://chestercountyfoodbank.org/find-help/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
York County
Here are some places to start.
York County Food Bank
What it offers Food distributions, including at its York warehouse on Mondays, 11 am to noon, and in Red Lion on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 4:30 to 6 pm. Has a map to find a pantry near you.
How to reach 15 Marianne Drive, York. Call 717.846.6435.
Source https://yorkfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Berks County
Here are some places to start.
Helping Harvest Food Map
What it offers Berks and Schuylkill counties' food bank, with more than 350 food program partners. Use the Food Map to find a pantry or mobile market, or call to be guided to food help near you.
How to reach Call 610.926.5802, extension 206. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://helpingharvest.org/food-map/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lehigh County (Allentown)
Here are some places to start.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley Find Food
What it offers Serves Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties. Enter your ZIP code to find a food distribution site near you.
How to reach Use the Find Food search on the Second Harvest website, or call 484.287.4015.
Source https://secondharvestlv.org/find-food/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
PA 211 food search
What it offers Search "food pantry" or "no cost meals" with your ZIP code, anywhere in Pennsylvania.
How to reach search.pa211.org or dial 211
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 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 17, 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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