Help with Food

Food assistance providers are listed below for each county. The largest source of continuing food assistance is the Food Assistance program available at the Department of Human Services, better known as "food stamps" or the "bridge card". Nevertheless, there are people who are no eligible for that benefit or who find it insufficient for one of many reasons. Hence, there we list many food pantry and distribution programs, which vary greatly in their content and availability.

The purpose of these programs is to help people who would otherwise not have enough to eat. The purpose IS NOT to provide free food so people can sell some of it or so they can use their own money for entertainment or non-essential purposes rather than food. Everyone should exercise restraint and obtain only the food they need as long as there are others waiting in line. Sometimes, the food programs will have an excess of perishable food that they must either give away or throw away—then it is sensible to take a much as one can somehow use.

Food programs set up various systems to try to prevent abuse. They may require identification, and may check to see if people are going to many food programs. Some may limit those they serve to certain geographical areas. Others require a referral from someone who knows the individuals condition. We hope that everyone will cooperate with these screening methods. Stopping the abusers of the system means more food for those who really need it.