Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States, operating a network of over 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs across all 50 states. In 2026, the network distributes more than 5 billion meals per year to families, seniors, veterans, and individuals who cannot afford enough food. If you are struggling to put meals on the table, Feeding America's food bank network is one of the most reliable and accessible resources available to you — and finding your nearest location takes less than 60 seconds.
While food banks provide essential staples, many families find they still need additional income to cover fresh produce, protein, and household essentials between visits. That is where supplemental earnings come in. Apps like I am Beezy let you earn $5 to $15 per day just by viewing content on your phone — no application, no fixed hours. It is a practical way to fill the financial gaps that food assistance alone cannot cover. Here is everything you need to know about accessing Feeding America food banks in 2026.
How to Find Your Nearest Feeding America Food Bank
The online food bank locator
Visit feedingamerica.org and click on "Find Your Local Food Bank." Enter your zip code, city, or state, and the system instantly displays every food bank, pantry, and meal program near you. Each listing includes the address, phone number, hours of operation, and a map with directions. The locator covers all 200+ Feeding America member food banks and their affiliated agencies. You can also filter results by the type of service you need — grocery distribution, hot meals, or senior-specific programs.
Major Feeding America member food banks by region
Every region of the country has at least one major Feeding America hub. In the Northeast, the Food Bank of New York City serves over 1.5 million people annually. In the South, the Houston Food Bank is the largest in the nation, distributing over 150 million meals per year. The Midwest is served by giants like the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Ozarks Food Harvest. On the West Coast, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Oregon Food Bank lead distribution efforts. These hubs coordinate hundreds of smaller pantries and agencies in their territories.
Contact your food bank directly
If you prefer speaking with a person, every Feeding America member food bank has a phone line staffed during business hours. Call and ask for the pantries nearest to your address, their hours, and what you need to bring (if anything). Many food banks also maintain updated social media pages on Facebook and Instagram where they announce special distributions, holiday food drives, and mobile pantry schedules. Following your local food bank online keeps you informed about extra food opportunities throughout the month.
What to Expect When You Visit
Your first visit
Walking into a food bank or pantry for the first time can feel intimidating, but the process is designed to be as simple and welcoming as possible. Most locations ask you to fill out a short intake form with your name, address, and household size. Some may ask about income, but this is for grant reporting purposes — not to determine whether you qualify. In most cases, everyone who shows up receives food. Staff and volunteers are trained to treat every visitor with dignity and respect.
What you will receive
A typical food bank distribution provides enough food for three to seven days depending on the location and your household size. Common items include canned vegetables and fruit, rice, pasta, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, and cooking oil. Many Feeding America food banks now also distribute fresh produce, dairy products, and frozen meat through partnerships with grocery stores, farms, and manufacturers. Some locations operate as "client choice" pantries where you select items from shelves, similar to shopping at a grocery store.
| Food Bank Service | What You Get | How Often | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard pantry visit | 3-7 days of groceries | Weekly to monthly | Name and address |
| Mobile pantry distribution | 5-7 days of groceries | Weekly or biweekly | None |
| Senior box program (CSFP) | Monthly USDA food package | Monthly | Age and income verification |
| BackPack program (kids) | Weekend food for schoolchildren | Weekly during school year | School enrollment |
| Hot meal site | Prepared hot meal | Daily | None |
Beyond the Food Bank: Covering What Distributions Miss
The fresh food challenge
Food banks have dramatically improved their fresh food offerings in recent years, but availability fluctuates week to week. Some visits you might receive fresh strawberries and chicken; other weeks it might be mostly shelf-stable staples. The items that consistently need to come out of your own budget — milk, eggs, fresh vegetables, and quality protein — are exactly the ones that cost the most at the grocery store. Feeding your family well requires filling these gaps between food bank visits.
Turning spare time into fresh food money
This is where a few minutes on your phone each day can make a tangible difference. I am Beezy users earn money by viewing videos, articles, and promotional content, generating between $150 and $300 per month with about 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity. That is the equivalent of two to three full grocery runs at Aldi or Walmart — specifically for the fresh items food banks may not always stock. The platform requires no skills, no interview, and no set schedule, which makes it ideal for anyone already managing the time demands of food insecurity.
| Month | Cumulative Beezy Earnings | What You Can Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | $150-300 | Fresh produce, dairy, and protein for a full month |
| Month 3 | $450-900 | Complete grocery budget plus household cleaning supplies |
| Month 6 | $900-1,800 | Full food security plus small emergency savings |
Stacking food resources for complete coverage
The most effective approach to food security combines multiple resources. Use Feeding America food banks for staples and bulk items. Apply for SNAP to get a monthly EBT balance for grocery shopping. Use WIC if you have children under 5. Layer in I am Beezy earnings for fresh food and the items no program fully covers. This combination ensures your family eats well every day, not just on distribution days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be referred to use a Feeding America food bank?
No referral is needed. Feeding America food banks and their affiliated pantries serve anyone who needs food. Simply find your nearest location using the food bank locator at feedingamerica.org or by calling 211, and visit during open hours. Walk-ins are welcome at most locations.
Is there a limit to how many times I can visit a food bank?
Policies vary by individual pantry and food bank. Some locations allow weekly visits, while others operate on a monthly schedule. You can register at multiple pantries in your area to increase the frequency of your food assistance. There is no central database that tracks visits across different locations.
Can undocumented immigrants use Feeding America food banks?
Feeding America food banks do not ask about immigration status and serve everyone regardless of documentation. These are private nonprofit organizations, not government agencies. Your personal information is kept confidential and used only for internal reporting purposes. You will not be reported to any government agency.
How can I volunteer at or donate to my local food bank?
Every Feeding America food bank welcomes volunteers and donations. Visit your local food bank's website or call their main number to learn about volunteer shifts, food drives, and monetary donations. Even a small monetary donation makes a big impact — Feeding America can provide at least 10 meals for every dollar donated through its network.
Take the First Step Today
Finding your nearest Feeding America food bank is the fastest way to get food on your table. Visit feedingamerica.org, enter your zip code, and see what is available in your neighborhood right now. While you are at it, start building the supplemental income that makes the difference between surviving and thriving. Create your free I am Beezy account and turn a few minutes of daily screen time into the grocery money your family needs — because no one should have to choose between paying a bill and eating dinner.
