Food Help in Arizona: Nutrition Assistance, WIC and Pantries

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 Arizona, from monthly grocery money to food banks and hot meals.

Apply for Nutrition Assistance on Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus), and dial 211 or use the Arizona Food Bank Network map to find food near you today.

SNAP

Nutrition AssistanceApply on HEAplus.

211

Dial 211Pantries and meals.

WIC

Moms and kids800.252.5942.

FOOD

Food banksazfoodbanks.org.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly says hi and explains how this guide works (0:25). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

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.

Where can I get food today?

Dial 211, or use the Arizona Food Bank Network's map to find a pantry or meal near you. In Phoenix, St.

Mary's Food Bank serves the area. In the East Valley, there's United Food Bank. In southern Arizona, there's the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Sources: https://www.azfoodbanks.org/

Your first steps, in order

Dial 211, or check azfoodbanks.org, to find food near you today.
Call the pantry before you go, to check hours.
Apply for Nutrition Assistance on HEAplus.
If you're pregnant or have kids under 5, call WIC.
Ask about meals for kids when school is out.

What is Nutrition Assistance (SNAP)?

Nutrition Assistance is Arizona's name for SNAP. People who qualify get money for groceries each month on an EBT card.

You can apply on Health-e-Arizona Plus, along with Cash Assistance and AHCCCS.

Some people who are 60 or older, have a disability or are homeless may also use the Restaurant Meals Program, to buy hot meals at some restaurants with their EBT card.

For questions, call DES at 855.432.7587.

Sources: https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/food/nutrition-assistance https://des.az.gov/contact-us

SAY IT LIKE THIS

What to say at a pantry

"Hi. This is my first time here. How does it work?"

"Do I need to bring anything?"

"When can I come back?"

What is WIC?

Arizona 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.

Call 800.252.5942 to learn more.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic/index.php

What should I know about food banks and pantries?

Pantries are run by churches, nonprofits and community groups. Each one sets its own hours and rules.
Some ask for an ID or proof of address. Many don't. Ask when you call.
Bring bags or a box if you can.
If you don't have a kitchen, ask for foods that don't need cooking.

BUNKLY TIP

Ask about delivery

Some food banks have programs for seniors or people who can't get out. Ask if they can help bring food to you.

How can I make food last?

Plan a few simple meals around what you have.
Rice, beans, oats and canned foods go a long way.
Freeze bread or leftovers if you can.
Keep water close, especially in the heat.

What about meals for kids?

Many schools in Arizona serve breakfast and lunch, and some summer sites serve meals to kids and teens when school is out. Ask your child's school how meals work, and ask 211 about summer meal sites near you.

BUNKLY TIP

Every bit helps

Using a food pantry so you can pay rent is a smart choice, not a failure. That's what they're there for.

EXAMPLE

Say you're a grandparent raising two kids in Flagstaff

You could apply for Nutrition Assistance on HEAplus. If one of the kids is under 5, you could call WIC. You could dial 211 to find a food pantry near you, and ask the school about meals.

Questions people ask a lot

Can I get food help without an address?

Yes. Many places serve people with no address.

Will getting food help hurt my immigration case?

Questions about immigration? Check the official page below, and talk with a legal aid office before you decide.

Can I go to more than one pantry?

Often, yes. Ask each one about their rules.

What if I'm turned down for Nutrition Assistance?

Read the letter. It explains how to ask for a review. Legal aid can help.

Can college students get help?

Some can. Ask DES or check HEAplus.

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.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

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?"

BUNKLY TIP

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 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.

Keep your papers safe

Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag.
Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email.
Keep a short list of your case numbers and who you talked to.
Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

BUNKLY TIP

You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. 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.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

211 Arizona

What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.

How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/

Source https://211arizona.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

DES Nutrition Assistance (SNAP)

What it offers Monthly help to buy food on an EBT card for people who qualify. Some people who are 60 or older, have a disability or are homeless may also use the Restaurant Meals Program at approved restaurants. You can check your case in MyFamilyBenefits.

How to reach Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ or call 855.432.7587.

Source https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/food/nutrition-assistance and https://des.az.gov/contact-us

Last checked October 22, 2026

Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus)

What it offers Arizona's online application for Nutrition Assistance (Arizona's name for SNAP), Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance (AHCCCS). You can apply for all three at once.

How to reach Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ For help, call DES at 855.432.7587.

Source https://des.az.gov/contact-us

Last checked October 22, 2026

Arizona 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 Call 800.252.5942. WIC Shoppers Helpline: 866.927.8390. Visit https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic/index.php

Source https://www.azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic/index.php

Last checked October 22, 2026

Arizona Food Bank Network

What it offers Links food banks and pantries across all 15 Arizona counties. Use its map to find food near you.

How to reach Call 602.528.3434, or find food at https://www.azfoodbanks.org/

Source https://www.azfoodbanks.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Wildfire (Arizona's community action network)

What it offers Wildfire represents the Community Action Agencies across Arizona. It runs Arizona Self Help, an online screener that shows which of about 40 programs your family might get help from.

How to reach Call 602.604.0640, or visit https://wildfireaz.org/ Office: 340 E. Palm Lane, Suite 315, Phoenix.

Source https://wildfireaz.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

St. Mary's Food Bank

What it offers A large food bank serving the Phoenix area and much of Arizona, with food boxes and partner pantries.

How to reach Call 602.242.3663. Main site: 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix.

Source https://www.stmarysfoodbank.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

United Food Bank

What it offers A food bank serving the East Valley and eastern Arizona, through partner pantries and food sites.

How to reach Call 480.926.4897. Office: 245 S. Nina Dr., Mesa.

Source https://unitedfoodbank.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Keys to Change (Human Services Campus)

What it offers A campus in downtown Phoenix where many groups work together to help adults who are homeless, with shelter intake, meals, mail and more. Open 24/7.

How to reach Go to 204 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix, or call 602.282.0853.

Source https://hsc-az.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Mesa Community Action Network

What it offers Community action help for Mesa residents, including help with utilities and rent when funds allow.

How to reach Call 480.833.9200. Office: 635 E. Broadway Rd., Mesa.

Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies

Last checked October 22, 2026

City of Glendale Community Action Program

What it offers Community action help for Glendale residents, including help with utilities and rent when funds allow.

How to reach Call 623.930.2000. Office: 7677 W. Bethany Home Rd., Building F, Glendale.

Source https://des.az.gov/CommunityActionAgencies

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

What it offers Food for people in need across southern Arizona, through its own sites and partner pantries.

How to reach Call 520.622.0525. Main site: 3003 S. Country Club Rd., Tucson.

Source https://www.communityfoodbank.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Primavera Foundation

What it offers Shelter, housing help and a resource center for people who are homeless in Tucson.

How to reach Call 520.623.5111 for emergency services. Walk in at 702 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Source https://primavera.org/contact/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Pima County Community Assistance Division

What it offers Pima County's Community Action Agency. Help with rent, mortgage and utility bills for people who qualify, when funds allow, plus links to utility discount programs.

How to reach Call 520.724.2667, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed noon to 1 pm). Main line: 520.724.2460. Office: 801 W. Congress St., Tucson.

Source https://www.pima.gov/community-assistance-division

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your Community Action Agency)

Every Arizona county has a Community Action Agency that can help with utility bills, rent, deposits and emergency shelter when funds allow. If you don't live in Maricopa or Pima County, start here. Phone lines get busy, so keep trying, or dial 211.