How to get free food with no money? We’ve gathered the best ways to get free food.
Even if you have little or no money to spend, these methods show that it’s absolutely possible to get nutritious meals and groceries without paying a dime, and often in ways that also support your community.
1. How to Get Free Food with No Money from Government and State Programs
At first, government and state food assistance programs offer one of the most reliable ways to get free food.
The point is to provide nutritious food to individuals and families who need it.
1.1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP/food stamps is one of the most popular federal programs that supported an average of 41.7 million low-income people each month in fiscal year 2024.
The program provides monthly benefits that supplement a household’s food budget. Eligibility primarily considers income, expenses, and citizenship status.
SNAP benefits are deposited on an EBT card, which recipients can use to purchase eligible food items like vegetables and meat at participating grocery stores.
Additionally, in certain states, eligible SNAP participants can use their benefits to buy hot, prepared meals at participating restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
1.2. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
WIC is a federally funded health and nutrition program for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
WIC is more restrictive than SNAP. It provides carefully designed food packages, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to help families meet critical dietary needs during early childhood and pregnancy.
Each state customizes its WIC-approved food list based on cost, availability, and cultural preferences.
Check your state-specific food guide or use a WIC mobile app to confirm which brands and package sizes are eligible at local stores.
WIC benefits are also provided monthly through EBT cards and can only be used at WIC-authorized stores or farmers markets.
1.3. Free School Meals for Kids
It’s true that children can receive free or reduced-price meals at school!
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children in public schools, nonprofit private schools, and residential child care institutions.
- School Breakfast Program (SBP) offers free or reduced-price breakfasts in participating schools and residential child care institutions.
- Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools that do not participate in a federal school meal program.
- Summer Food Service Program (SUN Meals) offers one or more free meals daily during the summer. Open to all children and teens ages 18 and under, no application required, and no income limits.
- SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) provides eligible families in most states $120 per child during the summer to buy groceries.
Ask your child’s school for a meal program application. You can do this at the beginning of the school year or anytime if your family’s circumstances change. Households receiving SNAP benefits may be automatically enrolled.
1.4. Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP provides free emergency food and nutrition assistance to low-income Americans. These include fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and more.
1.5. Food Assistance For Seniors
If you are 60 or older and have limited income, you may qualify for special government programs that provide free or low-cost food.
- Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides coupons that can be used at farmers markets, roadside stands, and community farms to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers a monthly food package with healthy staples. Food is distributed through local agencies, and in some states, delivery may be available for those who cannot pick it up.
1.6. Medicare
If you’re on Medicare, have you missed anything?
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may include a benefit known as a Medicare flex card. This is not a government-issued benefit, but rather an extra perk provided by certain insurers.
A flex card can be used for approved expenses. Depending on your plan, this may include a food allowance for groceries.
To find out if you are eligible, check with your Medicare Advantage plan provider or review your plan benefits.
2. How to Get Free Food with No Money from Your Community
It’s worth noting that your community is full of resources to get free food. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a free meal.
2.1. Food Rescue and Redistribution Organizations
Feeding America is a large hunger-relief organization, operating a nationwide network of food banks, local food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs.
Use the “Find Your Local Food Bank” tool on the Feeding America website. Enter your ZIP code and you’ll be matched with the nearest food bank and its partner agencies.
Food Rescue US reduces food waste while increasing food access for people in need. The organization uses a web-based app to connect volunteers and food donors with local social service agencies.
2.3. Community Fridges and Social Supermarkets
Community fridges are publicly accessible refrigerators where people can leave extra food for others to take. They are often located in community centers, schools, or parks.
A search for “community fridge [your city]” will help you find one.
Social supermarkets are another option. These stores sell surplus or donated groceries at very low prices.
They often stock items close to their “best by” date, products with damaged packaging, or surplus supplies from food producers and retailers.
2.4. Direct Donations and Community Agreements
Check with your local community centers, which often have partnerships with local food businesses.
They may be able to tell you which businesses donate food and how you can access it.
3. How to Get Free Food from Supermarkets, Cafés, and Local Businesses
Interestingly, you’ll find many opportunities to get free food in your local area. It’s really easier than you think.
3.1. Surplus Food/Food Sharing Apps
Apps like Olio let you get food for free.
Olio is a free sharing app that connects neighbors and local businesses so that surplus food and household items can be given away instead of thrown out.
How to claim a free meal: People and businesses post listings of food they have to give away for free. You can find everything from extra produce from a garden to a surplus of baked goods from a local cafe.
Alternatively, a growing number of apps connect consumers directly with local businesses that have surplus food.
In fact, most of these apps sell the food at a steep discount rather than giving it away for free. But the prices are often extremely low.
Too Good To Go connects you with local cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and stores that have unsold food at the end of the day.
Businesses list their surplus food in “Surprise Bags” – you know the type of food (like pastries or sandwiches), but not the exact items, until pickup.
Customers can purchase these bags at half the price or less through the app, then collect them at the time set by the store.
Flashfood is a grocery savings app that helps families save money while reducing food waste.
Local grocery stores list items that are approaching their best-by date, like fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples, at up to 50% off. Shoppers can browse deals directly in the app, pay online, and then pick up their groceries in store.
3.2. Free beverages while you shop
When shopping, you may find some supermarkets and big retail stores offer complimentary coffee, tea, or other beverages.
Look for beverage stations and sample counters or ask staff if free coffee or tea is available. It’s a simple way to enjoy a drink and save a little money.
4. Restaurants That Give Free Food with Loyalty Programs
Particularly, large chains and fast-food establishments have their own loyalty programs that offer members a chance to get free food.
These programs encourage repeat business and can be a great way to save money or get a free treat.
The most common ways to get free food are through sign-up bonuses, earning points from purchases, and birthday rewards.
Several restaurants offer loyalty programs:
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Taco Bell
- Wendy’s
- Starbucks
- Costa
- Subway
- Domino’s
- Pizza Hut
For example, at McDonald’s, when you join the rewards program, you spend just $1 to get a free large Fries instantly.
You can earn 100 points per $1 spent, which you can redeem for free menu items like a McChicken®, Fries, or even a Big Mac®.
5. Besides Free Food, You Can Also Get A Free Phone?
If you’re living on a limited income (or even no money), check out the Lifeline program, which helps reduce your monthly phone bill and can even get you a free phone.
What is Lifeline?
The Lifeline program is a nationwide government initiative that makes phone and internet services more affordable for low-income households.
- Monthly Discounts: Eligible households receive up to $9.25 off their monthly phone or internet bill. For eligible Tribal residents, the discount can be as high as $34.25 per month.
- Free Devices: Many participating providers also offer free smartphones along with service.
Who’s eligible for Lifeline?
There are two ways:
- Income-based: Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Program-based: If you or someone in your household receives Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Section 8 housing, Veterans Pension, or certain Tribal assistance, you’re automatically eligible.
How to apply for Lifeline with AirTalk Wireless:
- Go to the AirTalk Wireless website. Enter your ZIP code.
- Pick a plan. All includes free international calls to 200+ countries, unlimited talk & text, a free SIM/eSIM, and nationwide coverage.
- Select your free smartphone (or use your own device with the BYOD plan).
- Verify your eligibility (most are verified automatically, but in some cases, you may need to upload documents).
- Submit your application.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for other detailed guides on how to get a free phone, free tablet, utilities, transportation, clothing, and more, visit our tips and resources. You’ll find all the latest ways for accessing essential goods and services.