USAGov food assistance
Federal guide to SNAP, WIC, school meals and emergency food. For food today, the National Hunger Hotline is 1-866-348-6479 or 1-877-842-6273, weekdays 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific.
Your next step
For food today, call the National Hunger Hotline (1-866-348-6479) or 211. For ongoing help, follow the SNAP or WIC link for your state.
Questions to ask
- Does this program serve my location and situation?
- What are the current costs, openings and application requirements?
- Can I get an interpreter or an accessible way to use the service?
If this one cannot help
Other starting points for the same need:
- 211 California: Free, confidential referrals to local help with food, housing, bills and more. Dial 211, or call 866-346-3211 and enter your ZIP code to reach your local 211. A few rural counties have no active 211 service.
- California services and assistance: Find state starting points for food, shelter, health coverage and community services.
- HRSA health center finder: Federal map of community health centers. Health centers adjust fees to income and family size and serve people who cannot pay. Search by ZIP code, then call the center.
What this listing can tell you
This listing describes the official overview or finder linked here. It does not confirm eligibility, local service availability, professional representation or an appointment.
Do Not Lose Hope does not determine eligibility, appointments, or outcomes. A listing does not imply a partnership.
Official source & review
Source page checked: .
Official pages read on 2026-10-21 for service area, contact methods, cost, languages, intake and eligibility. Each field below names its source. Current openings and individual eligibility are not confirmed.
What the official pages say
- Service area
- National portal on SNAP, WIC, school meals and emergency food, linking to USDA, state and local programs. Stated on the official page, checked October 21, 2026. Source
- How to contact
- National Hunger Hotline 1-866-348-6479 and 1-877-842-6273, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. USDA also lists an automated text line, 914-342-7744. Stated on the official page, checked October 21, 2026. Source
- Cost
- Not stated. Not stated on the official page, checked October 21, 2026. Source
- Languages
- Hotline information in English and Spanish. Stated on the official page, checked October 21, 2026. Source
- How to start
- Call the hotline or follow links to apply for programs. Stated on the official page, checked October 21, 2026. Source
- Stated limits
- Each program sets its own rules; not stated on the portal. Not stated on the official page, checked October 21, 2026. Source
Current openings and whether you qualify are not confirmed. Ask the organization.
How we check sourcesGuides on this topic
- 211 HelpNeed food, rent help, a place to stay or a doctor? Dial 211. It is free, it is open day and night, and a real person will help you find services near you. You do not have to figure this out alone.
- Food HelpYour children can get food help, even if you do not have papers. Here is what your family may get from CalFresh, WIC, school meals and food banks, how to apply, and what the new federal public charge rule may mean before you sign up.
- Housing and Tenant Rights Complete GuideIn California, your rights as a renter do not depend on your papers. Your landlord cannot ask about your status, cannot threaten to call immigration, and cannot put you out without going to court. This guide covers rent increases, evictions, deposits, repairs, help paying rent and what to do if a landlord uses fear against you. Read it top to bottom, or jump to what is happening to you today.Complete guide
- Health Care Complete GuideYou and your family deserve care, whatever your papers say. Medi-Cal changed in 2026 and will change again in 2027, but many doors are still open. This guide puts it all in one place, from who can still sign up to free clinics, children, pregnancy, privacy and public charge. Read it top to bottom, or jump to your situation and leave knowing your next step.Complete guide