Food Assistance Resources in Pennsylvania

Last updated September 11, 2026

If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table in Pennsylvania, you are not alone — and real help is available. Pennsylvania administers several federally funded food assistance programs through the Department of Human Services (DHS), including SNAP and WIC, and the state is also home to a robust network of food banks, pantries, and community meal programs that can help bridge the gap while longer-term benefits are being arranged.

Eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and application processes can feel overwhelming, especially during a crisis. The fastest way to find out what you qualify for — and to get connected to local resources like food pantries and community kitchens near you — is to call 211. Pennsylvania's 2-1-1 service is free, confidential, and available 24/7 to connect callers with local food resources across all 67 counties.

Many Pennsylvanians qualify for more than one program at a time. For example, a family receiving SNAP may also be eligible for WIC if they have young children or a pregnant household member. A social worker or benefits navigator can help you stack these benefits so your household gets the full support it's entitled to.

Key programs in Pennsylvania

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) — Pennsylvania DHS

Provides monthly electronic benefits (loaded onto a Pennsylvania ACCESS card) to help low-income individuals and families purchase groceries at authorized retailers.

How to access: Apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us, call your county assistance office, or visit a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services County Assistance Office in person. You can also call 2-1-1 for help completing the application.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) — Pennsylvania WIC Program

Provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.

How to access: Contact the Pennsylvania WIC Program through the PA Department of Health at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467), or find your local WIC office at www.health.pa.gov. You can also call 2-1-1 to be connected to a nearby WIC site.

2-1-1 Pennsylvania

A free, statewide helpline that connects residents to local food pantries, community meals, emergency food boxes, and other social services in their county. Operated by United Way.

How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone (24/7), text your zip code to 898-211, or visit www.pa211.org to search for food resources near you.

Meals on Wheels (via local Area Agencies on Aging)

Home-delivered meal programs for older adults who are homebound or have difficulty preparing their own food. Programs vary by county and may also include congregate dining sites.

How to access: Contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to be connected to your local Area Agency on Aging, which administers Meals on Wheels and other nutrition programs for older Pennsylvanians. You can also call 2-1-1.

Food Banks and Food Pantries (via Feeding Pennsylvania)

Pennsylvania's network of regional food banks — members of Feeding Pennsylvania — distributes food through hundreds of local pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters statewide. No program is invented here; specific pantry names and hours vary by location.

How to access: Visit www.feedingpa.org to find your regional food bank, or call 2-1-1 to find the nearest pantry open in your area. Many pantries serve anyone in need regardless of income documentation.

Food Assistance resources for Pennsylvania

Philabundance

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

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania215-339-0900
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
← Back to the full Community Resource Directory