Food Assistance Resources in Florida

Last updated September 7, 2026

If you or your family are struggling to put food on the table in Florida, you are not alone — and real help is available. Florida administers several federal nutrition programs through the Department of Children and Families (DCF), including SNAP (food stamps) and WIC, which together serve millions of Floridians each year. Eligibility is based on household size and income, and many people who think they won't qualify are surprised to find they do.

Beyond government programs, Florida has a strong network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs — many of which require no paperwork at all. The easiest way to find what's available in your specific county is to call or text 211, Florida's free social services helpline, which operates 24/7 and connects callers to local food resources by ZIP code.

If you are helping someone else navigate the system — as a case manager, family member, or concerned neighbor — this page outlines the most reliable starting points. Programs vary by county, so local 2-1-1 specialists and DCF offices are your best allies for up-to-date information on availability, hours, and any documentation needed.

Key programs in Florida

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Florida DCF

Provides monthly electronic benefits (loaded onto an EBT card) that can be used to purchase groceries at authorized retailers. Administered in Florida by the Department of Children and Families.

How to access: Apply online at ACCESS Florida (myaccessflorida.com), in person at your local DCF service center, or by calling the DCF Customer Call Center at 1-850-300-4323. You will need proof of identity, residency, income, and household size.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – Florida Department of Health

Provides nutrition support, healthy food benefits, breastfeeding help, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.

How to access: Contact your county Florida Department of Health office to schedule a WIC appointment. You can find your local office at floridahealth.gov or by calling 2-1-1. Bring proof of income, ID, and your child's immunization records if applicable.

2-1-1 Florida

A free, confidential helpline that connects Florida residents to local food pantries, community meals, emergency food boxes, and other social services based on your ZIP code and specific situation.

How to access: Call or text <strong>211</strong> any time, day or night. You can also search online at 211florida.org. Specialists speak multiple languages and can help you navigate options even if you're unsure where to start.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) – Florida

A federally funded program that provides USDA commodity foods — such as canned goods, grains, and proteins — to low-income Floridians at no cost, distributed through local food banks and pantries.

How to access: TEFAP food is distributed through local partner agencies such as food banks and pantries. Call 2-1-1 or contact your county's local food bank (e.g., Feeding America member food banks operate across Florida) to find the nearest distribution site and any simple eligibility requirements.

Senior Nutrition Programs – Area Agencies on Aging

Provides home-delivered meals (often called Meals on Wheels) and congregate dining for adults 60 and older in Florida, helping seniors who have difficulty shopping or cooking maintain proper nutrition.

How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at <strong>1-800-677-1116</strong> to be connected to your local Area Agency on Aging. You can also call 2-1-1. No specific income is required for most senior meal programs, though donations are accepted.

Food Assistance resources for Florida

Feeding South Florida

Regional food bank serving the area with pantries and food programs.

Pembroke Park, Florida954-518-1818
Visit

Second Harvest of Central Florida

Regional food bank serving the area with pantries and food programs.

Orlando, Florida407-295-1066
Visit

211 (United Way)

Nationwide

Free, confidential referral line for food, and other essential local services. Dial 211.

211
Visit

Feeding America

Nationwide

Nationwide network of food banks connecting people to local pantries and meal programs.

1-800-771-2303
Visit

SNAP (USDA Food & Nutrition Service)

Nationwide

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — monthly benefits to buy food for eligible low-income individuals and families.

Visit
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