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 Texas 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 Texas?
SNAP (food stamps) helps pay for groceries. In Texas, Texas Health and Human Services runs it, and benefits go on a Lone Star Card each month.
Applying is always at no cost.
- Online at Your Texas Benefits, https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home or with the Your Texas Benefits app. You can apply for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP and TANF cash help in one place.
- Questions about your application or benefit amount? HHSC says to call 211 or log in to Your Texas Benefits.
- Want help applying? Some food banks help people apply, like the Central Texas Food Bank.
HHSC says SNAP can buy food, and seeds and plants that grow food. It can't buy candy, sweetened drinks, alcohol, tobacco, hot food or food to eat in the store, or things that aren't food, like soap, paper products, medicines, vitamins, cosmetics or pet food.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/lone-star-card/lone-star-card-faq
Say your new Lone Star Card just came in the mail
HHSC says to activate it by calling 800.777.7328, pick a four number PIN, and sign the back. You can check your balance on the Your Texas Benefits app, on your last receipt, or by calling the help desk.
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.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/lone-star-card/lone-star-card-faq
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. Texas WIC says it is for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women and families with children up to age 5.
If you or your children get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you already meet the income rules, and your application can be processed faster. If not, you may still qualify by income. If you qualify, you get a WIC card to buy healthy foods at the grocery store. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.texaswic.org/apply
What Texas WIC may ask you to bring
How do I find WIC near me?
Texas WIC has a website where you can start an application and find a WIC office: https://www.texaswic.org/
- Call Texas WIC at 800.942.3678 to learn more.
- After you start an application, the local WIC office contacts you to set up an appointment.
- Ask what to bring and whether any part can be done by phone.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.texaswic.org/
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 Fort Worth and Arlington, the Tarrant Area Food Bank also runs RED Bus food deliveries.
- 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? Freeze it in the Your Texas Benefits app or call 800.777.7328.
Say your family needs food for the week in San Antonio
Say you have two kids and the fridge is almost empty. You could dial 211, or call the San Antonio Food Bank at 210.337.3663, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, to ask about a pantry near you.
The same day, you could apply for SNAP at Your Texas Benefits, and if your youngest is under 5, call Texas WIC at 800.942.3678.
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 Lone Star Card and keep it safe?
Your Lone Star Card works like a debit card at any store with the Lone Star Card sign. Most large and medium chain stores, and many smaller ones, take it.
Here's what Texas Health and Human Services says.
Paying at the store
- Swipe your card in the store's payment machine.
- Pick "EBT."
- Enter your PIN yourself. The cashier can't enter it for you.
- 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 TANF cash help, it goes on the same card. You can use it for food and other needs like clothes, housing and transportation. Taking out $49 or less has no fee. For $50 or more, you get two no cost each month, then 50 cents each.
- Traveling? SNAP benefits should work at stores that take food benefits in other states. If you move out of Texas for good, report it within 10 days by calling 211 or logging in to Your Texas Benefits.
- To report a store or person misusing benefits, call the Office of Inspector General at 800.436.6184.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/financial/lone-star-card/lone-star-card-faq
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. Call 211 and ask how to get mail and your Lone Star 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. HHSC says SNAP can't buy nonfood items like hygiene products and paper goods. Ask pantries and 211 about those.
I lost my Lone Star Card. What now?
Freeze it in the Your Texas Benefits app, or call 800.777.7328 to ask for a new one. HHSC says the new card comes by mail in about seven days, and your PIN and balance move over.
Can I get WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes, many families do. Texas WIC says getting SNAP means you already meet the WIC income rules.
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 Texas you apply through Your Texas Benefits.
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.
Texas
Here are some places to start.
Your Texas Benefits
What it offers Apply online for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, CHIP and other help from Texas Health and Human Services, and manage your case.
How to reach Apply at https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home
Source https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/Home
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 Texas
What it offers A no cost service from Texas Health and Human Services that connects people with food, housing, mental health, benefits and other help. You can also chat online in English or Spanish.
How to reach Dial 211 or 877.541.7905. Search at https://www.211texas.org/
Source https://www.211texas.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Harris County (Houston)
Here are some places to start.
Houston Food Bank
What it offers Food help across the Houston area. 535 Portwall Street, Houston.
How to reach Call 713.223.3700.
Source https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Dallas County
Here are some places to start.
North Texas Food Bank
What it offers Food help across North Texas. Perot Family Campus, 3677 Mapleshade Lane, Plano. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
How to reach Call 214.330.1396.
Source https://ntfb.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Tarrant County (Fort Worth)
Here are some places to start.
Tarrant Area Food Bank
What it offers Food for pantries and partner groups in Fort Worth and 13 surrounding counties. Its Find Food Map shows pantries near you, and its RED Bus brings food to Arlington, Fort Worth and areas west of Fort Worth. Seniors who qualify can ask about a monthly USDA food box.
How to reach Use the Find Food Map at https://tafb.org/
Source https://tafb.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bexar County (San Antonio)
Here are some places to start.
San Antonio Food Bank
What it offers Food help in San Antonio and nearby counties. 5200 Historic Old Highway 90. Walk in Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
How to reach Call 210.337.3663, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Source https://safoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Travis County (Austin)
Here are some places to start.
Central Texas Food Bank
What it offers Food help across Central Texas, plus help applying for SNAP. Use its Find Food page.
How to reach Find food at https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/
Source https://www.centraltexasfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hidalgo County
Here are some places to start.
Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley
What it offers Food help in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties through partner agencies. 724 N. Cage Boulevard, Pharr.
How to reach Call 956.682.8101.
Source https://www.foodbankrgv.com/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
El Paso County
Here are some places to start.
El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank
What it offers Food help in El Paso, listed by the City of El Paso.
How to reach Call 915.298.0353.
Source https://www.elpasotexas.gov/community-and-human-development/community-and-homeless-assistance/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Fort Bend County
Here are some places to start.
Houston Food Bank
What it offers Food help across the Houston area. 535 Portwall Street, Houston.
How to reach Call 713.223.3700.
Source https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/
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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