Need Food Support? Here’s Where to Turn During the SNAP Crisis
The news about potential SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding disruptions has understandably caused a lot of stress for individuals and families who rely on benefits to put food on the table. If you’re worried about how you’ll feed yourself or your family in the weeks ahead, you’re not alone — and there are resources out there to help bridge the gap.
Below, we’ve gathered a list of national nonprofits, local Texas resources, and budget-friendly recipe websites to help you access food and stretch your grocery dollars.
National Nonprofit Food Assistance Programs
Feeding America – Use their food bank locator to find pantries and distribution sites in your zip code.
Food Rescue US – Food recovery and redistribution in 40+ cities.
Meals on Wheels America – Meal delivery for older adults.
No Kid Hungry – Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 to find free meal sites for kids and teens.
Lasagna Love – A neighbor-to-neighbor movement where volunteers deliver home-cooked meals (lasagnas) with dignity, helping individuals & families facing hardship without judgment.
WhyHunger – Food Finder & hotline (1-800-5-HUNGRY).
Catholic Charities USA – Pantries & services nationwide.
The Salvation Army – Food pantries & meal services in nearly every U.S. city.
United Way 211 – Call 211 or visit their website for local food resources.
Texas & Austin-Based Community Resources
If you’re in Central Texas, there are local nonprofits stepping up:
Central Texas Food Bank – Free food distributions and SNAP enrollment support.
Keep Austin Fed – Rescues surplus food and redistributes it to neighbors in need.
Caritas of Austin – Provides free weekday lunches and a food pantry.
Our Shared Kitchen – Prepares and delivers meals for people facing homelessness or food insecurity.
HopeAustin – Provides weekend meals for school-aged children.
Manos de Cristo – Offers emergency food assistance and basic needs support.
Stretching Your Grocery Dollars
When budgets are tight, recipe sites that focus on affordability and simple ingredients can be lifesavers:
Budget Bytes – Recipes broken down by cost per serving, with budget-friendly meal prep tips.
Good and Cheap (free PDF cookbook) – A free recipe PDF created specifically for cooking on a SNAP budget. (You’ll need to sign up for Leanne Brown’s newsletter to access the download.)
The Kitchn Budget Meals – Affordable recipes for families and individuals.
EatingWell Budget Cooking – Nourishing, lower-cost meals.
Quick Action Steps
1. Save hotline numbers and text lines:
211 (United Way)
1-800-5-HUNGRY (WhyHunger)
Text FOOD/COMIDA to 304-304 (No Kid Hungry)
2. Find a local pantry now: Even if you don’t need food this week, it’s helpful to know where the nearest resource is.
4. Connect locally: Search Facebook or other social media sites for “Buy Nothing [your area]” groups. These community exchange networks often include free groceries, produce, and pantry staples shared between neighbors.
4. Plan ahead with shelf-stable foods: Rice, beans, pasta, oats, canned vegetables, peanut butter, and frozen produce can stretch meals when fresh food is harder to access.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves consistent access to food that supports their wellbeing. If you’re facing disruptions in your benefits or grocery budget, know that there’s help available—and these resources exist to support you and your family.
If you’re connected with Nutrition Ally, please reach out if you need help finding local resources or planning affordable, balanced meals. We’re committed to helping our community feel nourished, supported, and seen.