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. Everyone deserves a good meal, and nobody should have to go hungry. If money for food is tight, there is help in Virginia, from monthly grocery money to food banks and pantries.
Dial 211 to find food near you today. To apply for SNAP, use CommonHelp.
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 a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
Dial 211 and ask for a food pantry or hot meal near you. In the Richmond area, FeedMore has a finder for partner pantries, meal programs and mobile food sites.
In Northern Virginia, the Capital Area Food Bank has a map of food sites. In other parts of the state, 211 can point you to your local food bank.
Sources: https://feedmore.org/get-help/ https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/
Your first steps, in order
- Dial 211, or use your food bank's finder, to find food near you today.
- Call ahead to check hours and what to bring.
- Apply for SNAP on CommonHelp.
- If you're pregnant or have a child under 5, ask about WIC.
- Ask your child's school about school meals.
What is SNAP?
SNAP, sometimes called food stamps, gives people who qualify money for groceries each month on an EBT card. In Virginia, social services runs SNAP.
You can apply on CommonHelp, along with TANF and Medicaid, or at your local department of social services.
Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below. For help, call the Enterprise Call Center at 855.635.4370.
Sources: https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
What to say at a pantry
"Hi. Is this a good time to pick up food?"
"Do I need to bring anything, like an ID or proof of address?"
"Do you know of another pantry or meal site near here?"
What is WIC?
Virginia WIC helps women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or recently had a baby, and children under 5, in families who qualify. It offers healthy food, nutrition help and breastfeeding support.
Visit your local health department to learn more and apply.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wic/
What should I know about food banks and pantries?
Food banks send food to local pantries, meal sites and mobile food stops. Each pantry sets its own hours and rules.
Some ask for an ID or proof of address. Others don't ask for anything. Call ahead if you can.
Ask about delivery
Some pantries deliver to older adults or people who can't get out. Ask if that's an option.
How can I make food last?
A few simple habits can help your food and your money go further.
- Plan a few meals around what you already have.
- Buy store brands and foods that keep, like rice, beans and oats.
- Freeze bread, meat and leftovers before they go bad.
- Use your EBT card at farmers markets that take it.
Low cost foods that go far
Many schools serve breakfast and lunch, and some offer meals in the summer too. Ask your child's school, or dial 211 and ask about summer meal sites near you.
Every bit helps
A pantry visit, a school meal and SNAP can work together. You don't have to pick just one.
Say you're a grandparent raising two kids in Roanoke
You could dial 211 to find a pantry near you this week. You could apply for SNAP on CommonHelp, and ask the kids' school about meals. If one of the kids is under 5, you could ask your health department about WIC.
Can I use SNAP at farmers markets?
Yes, many Virginia farmers markets take SNAP. Virginia Fresh Match helps your SNAP dollars go further on fruits and vegetables at markets and stores that take part.
You can find places near you on its website. The USDA store locator also shows markets and stores that take SNAP.
Questions about how the match works where you shop? Check the official pages below.
Sources: https://www.virginiafreshmatch.org/ https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator
Using SNAP at a farmers market
- Look up markets near you that take SNAP.
- Bring your EBT card and check the market's hours.
- Find the market's info booth first.
- Ask how SNAP works at that market, and about Fresh Match.
- Shop, and keep any tokens or receipts until you're done.
Go near closing time
Some farmers have extra produce near the end of the day. It never hurts to ask kindly.
How do I eat well on a small budget?
A little planning can stretch your food a long way. Here's what helps me.
- Plan a few meals before you shop, and make a list.
- Buy what's in season. It's often cheaper and tastes better.
- Frozen and canned vegetables are healthy too, and they last.
- Cook once, eat twice. Soups, beans and rice go a long way.
- Check your pantry before you shop, so nothing goes to waste.
Say you have SNAP and a week of meals to plan in Norfolk
You could check the Virginia Fresh Match map for a market or store near you. You could buy greens, sweet potatoes and apples there. Then you could get rice, beans, eggs and oats at the grocery store. That's a week of simple, filling meals.
My shopping list basics
Questions people ask a lot
Can I get food if I don't have an address?
Yes. Many pantries and meal sites serve people with no address.
Can I use SNAP and a pantry?
Yes. Many people use both.
Can I buy hot food with SNAP?
Usually not. Questions about what SNAP covers? Check the official page below.
What if I work?
You may still qualify for SNAP. Apply and see.
How do I find a meal tonight?
Dial 211 and ask for a hot meal near you.
How do I make the most of each call?
Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.
- Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
- Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
- Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
- Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
- Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
- Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Keep going, friend
If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.
What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.
- Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
- Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
- If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
- Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
- If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
- Dial 211, or search 211virginia.org any time, to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. Call ahead for hours.
Federal and national help
Here are some places to start.
Summer meals for kids
What it offers In the summer, kids and teens 18 and under can get meals at schools, parks and other places in the community, with no application needed.
How to reach Search the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder online, or ask your local school division.
Source https://www.fna.usda.gov/sfsp/sitefinder
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Virginia
Here are some places to start.
211 Virginia
What it offers A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Virginia.
How to reach Dial 211, or search any time at https://211virginia.org/
Source https://211virginia.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
CommonHelp (Virginia benefits portal)
What it offers Virginia's online site to apply for SNAP (food benefits), TANF cash help, Medicaid, child care help and energy help, and to check your case.
How to reach Apply at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/ Questions: call the Enterprise Call Center at 855.635.4370.
Source https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Your local department of social services
What it offers Virginia has a local department of social services for every city and county. They take applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and energy help, and can point you to emergency help nearby.
How to reach Call the Enterprise Call Center at 855.635.4370, or find your local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/
Source https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia WIC
What it offers Healthy food, nutrition help and breastfeeding support for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or recently had a baby, and for children under 5, in families who qualify.
How to reach Visit your local health department, or start at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wic/
Source https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/wic/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Greater Richmond
Here are some places to start.
FeedMore
What it offers The food bank for Central Virginia, serving the Richmond area through partner pantries, meal programs and mobile food sites. Use its finder to get food near you.
How to reach Find food at https://feedmore.org/get-help/
Source https://feedmore.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
City of Richmond Department of Social Services
What it offers Applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and energy help for Richmond residents, plus emergency help and referrals.
How to reach Call 804.646.7212.
Source https://www.rva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Henrico County Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Henrico County residents.
How to reach Call 804.501.4001.
Source https://henrico.gov/dss/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, energy help and referrals for Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights residents.
How to reach Call 804.748.1100 for general questions.
Source https://www.chesterfield.gov/569/Social-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Northern Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Capital Area Food Bank
What it offers A food bank serving Northern Virginia and the DC area through partner pantries and food sites. Use its map to find food near you.
How to reach Find food at https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/
Source https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning
What it offers The first call for help with housing, food, financial help and other needs in Fairfax County.
How to reach Call 703.222.0880.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax County Department of Family Services
What it offers Benefits, child care help and family services for Fairfax County residents.
How to reach Call 703.324.7500, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. TTY 711.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Prince William County Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Prince William County residents.
How to reach Call 703.792.7500 (TTY 711).
Source https://www.pwcva.gov/department/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Loudoun County Department of Family Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Loudoun County residents.
How to reach Call 703.777.0353.
Source https://www.loudoun.gov/dfs
Last checked October 22, 2026
Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for City of Alexandria residents.
How to reach Call 703.746.5700, or text 703.346.5599.
Source https://www.alexandriava.gov/DCHS
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hampton Roads and other areas
Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services. If you don't live in the Richmond area or Northern Virginia, start with yours. Here are a few, plus help in Hampton Roads. Find any local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ or dial 211.
Norfolk Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Norfolk residents.
How to reach Call 757.664.6000.
Source https://www.norfolk.gov/295/Human-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Beach Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Virginia Beach residents.
How to reach Call the customer call center at 757.385.4306.
Source https://hs.virginiabeach.gov/financial-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Chesapeake Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Chesapeake residents.
How to reach Call 757.382.2000.
Source https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/358/Chesapeake-Social-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Lynchburg Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Lynchburg residents.
How to reach Call 434.455.5850.
Source https://www.lynchburgva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Samaritan House (Virginia Beach)
What it offers Shelter and support in Hampton Roads for people affected by domestic violence, sexual violence or homelessness.
How to reach 24/7 hotline: call 757.430.2120. Office: 757.631.0710.
Source https://www.samaritanhouseva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia
What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.
How to reach Call the Community Support Team at 757.827.5078.
Source https://www.laseva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Community Action Partnership
What it offers Lists the Community Action Agencies across Virginia. Local agencies may help with emergency needs, job training, Head Start and other programs when funds allow.
How to reach Find your agency at https://vacap.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://vacap.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My food plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
You're doing the right thing
Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.
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 22, 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.
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