Food and Food System Resources
The following resources are for individuals and families seeking food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also see information about food assistance programs, work with federally recognized tribes or tribal organizations, and rural health.
Children
- Meals while schools are closed:
- Ensuring students have meals.
- Interactive map for finding meals for kids.
Individuals and Families
- Hunger hotline from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for information on meal sites, food banks, and other services near you. Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273) for Spanish. Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.
- Hunger hotline text option. Text 97779 with a question that contains a keyword such as “food” or “meals”. The automated response will include resources located near an address and/or zip code.
- Food finder for free food assistance programs for children and families.
- Meals on Wheels for individuals with diminished mobility who are generally aged 60 and older, although age requirements can vary. Find a provider online .
- Start simple food planning during the pandemic with MyPlate.
- Using the updated nutrition facts label .
- Healthy eating tips.
Food Assistance
- USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service COVID-19 response.

Federally-Recognized Tribes or Tribal Organizations
- CDC: Partnering with American Indian tribes and Alaska Native entities to respond to COVID-19.
- USDA food distribution for income-eligible households on Indian reservations and to Native American households residing in designated areas near reservations or in Oklahoma.
- USDA tribal nation COVID-19 waivers and flexibilities.
Rural Areas
- Rural Health Information Hub supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
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