Where to Get Emergency Food Assistance Near You in 2026

Updated as of March 5, 2026

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a vital federal initiative designed to provide food assistance to Americans in need.

Managed by the USDA, TEFAP’s primary objective is to distribute nutritious food, sourced from U.S. farms, to food banks and other relief organizations nationwide.

This program not only aids those facing hunger but also supports American agriculture by purchasing fruits, vegetables, and other staple foods directly from farmers.
 

How TEFAP Works

TEFAP is more than just a food aid program—it is a crucial element of the national effort to combat hunger. Each fiscal year, significant quantities of food are allocated to the Feeding America network, which includes a vast array of food banks and partner agencies across the country.

For example, in a recent year, TEFAP provided over 1.24 billion pounds of food to the Feeding America network, translating into more than one billion meals for people facing hunger.

This program is responsible for supplying more than 20% of the food distributed by member food banks under the Feeding America umbrella.

The range of foods includes over 120 nutritious options like eggs, meat, dairy products, and whole grains, helping ensure that households in need receive a balanced diet.
 

How to Access TEFAP

TEFAP does not have federal eligibility requirements—each state sets its own income guidelines (typically 130%–185% of the federal poverty level, or automatic if you’re on SNAP, TANF, SSI, or other public assistance programs) and application process.

Food is distributed free of charge through local food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, and partner sites, often on a first-come, first-served basis. Here’s how to get started:

Find a site near you:
 

1. Call the national Hunger Hotline at 1‑866‑3‑HUNGRY (1‑866‑348‑6479) for immediate help locating TEFAP distributions.
2. Call 211 to connect with local agencies, food pantries, or community organizations.
3. Visit FeedingAmerica.org/find‑your‑local‑foodbank and enter your zip code to find a member food bank and distribution sites.
4. Use USA.gov/emergency‑food‑assistance or your state’s USDA TEFAP page for more options.

 

The Impact on the Farm Economy

TEFAP also plays a significant role in the agricultural sector. In fiscal year 2022, the program facilitated about $399 million in food purchases across the country, creating a reliable market for U.S. growers.

Since then, Congress has provided additional resources through later appropriations, and USDA has increased funding for TEFAP food purchases in more recent fiscal years, reflecting the program’s growing importance in both the farm and charitable food systems.
 

Legislation and Funding

TEFAP’s effectiveness and reach in 2026 continue to depend heavily on federal funding and legislation, particularly the Farm Bill and annual agriculture appropriations bills. These laws determine how much money is available for purchasing food and for helping food banks store and distribute it.

Anti‑hunger advocates have urged Congress to strengthen TEFAP in recent Farm Bill debates and related legislation, calling for policy changes such as:
 

• Increasing mandatory funding for TEFAP food purchases to at least $500 million annually to ensure a consistent, reliable supply of nutritious foods to food banks.
• Boost support for food bank logistics by raising authorized funding for storage and distribution to $200 million annually and continuing $15 million per year for infrastructure grants to help with warehouses, refrigeration, and transportation.

These levels reflect advocacy proposals (for example, in the Farmers Feeding America Act and Feeding America’s TEFAP recommendations) rather than current baseline law, but they illustrate the scale of investment that experts say is needed to meet record demand.

In practice, USDA has allocated roughly $460–470 million for TEFAP entitlement food purchases in recent fiscal years, along with separate funding for administrative, storage, and distribution costs, helping food banks respond to elevated need in communities across the country.

By understanding and supporting TEFAP, everyone can contribute to a hunger‑free America. Whether through advocacy, donations, or volunteer work, your involvement can help sustain this essential program and ensure that fewer Americans have to worry about their next meal.

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