How do I apply for SNAP?

Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.

Can I use a food bank without applying?

Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.

Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?

Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is summer food service?

USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.

Food Assistance in Arizona

17 verified resources.

About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Arizona

Arizona handles custody (called 'legal decision-making' and 'parenting time') in superior courts in all 15 counties. The Division of Child Support Services operates under DES. Maricopa County (Phoenix) runs the nation's busiest family court. Major metros include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Chandler. Community Legal Services and Southern Arizona Legal Aid cover most of the state.

17 Resources

1. Arizona SNAP (Nutrition Assistance) — Free

Arizona's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, administered by DES, helping eligible low-income Arizona residents buy healthy food at authorized retailers. Benefits are loaded monthly onto the Arizona Quest EBT card and used like a debit card. Apply online at healthearizonaplus.gov or at any local DES office. Applicants typically need photo ID, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, residency, and household expenses. Services are statewide.

855-432-7587 · Apply online at healthearizonaplus.gov or at local DES office · Online 24/7; offices Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Arizona WIC Program — Free

Federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children administered by the Arizona Department of Health Services, providing nutrition education, breastfeeding peer counseling, and supplemental food benefits (via eWIC card) to income-eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, new mothers, infants, and children under age 5. WIC clinics are in all 15 counties. Applicants bring photo ID, proof of income, proof of address, and the child's immunization records.

1-800-252-5942 · WIC clinics throughout all Arizona counties · Varies by clinic; appointment required · Visit Website

3. St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance (Phoenix) — Free

Recognized as the world's first food bank (founded 1967), St. Mary's Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food annually through more than 900 partner agencies, pantries, and direct-distribution programs across Maricopa County and rural northern and western Arizona. Offers emergency food boxes, mobile pantries, kids programs, and holiday meals. Families can receive assistance by visiting the main Phoenix location or any partner pantry; bring photo ID and proof of address.

602-242-3663 · 2831 N 31st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009 · Mon-Fri 6am-6pm · Visit Website

4. Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (Tucson) — Free

Southern Arizona's primary hunger relief organization serving Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties through more than 350 partner agencies, mobile pantries, and direct-distribution programs. Offers emergency food boxes, farmers markets, nutrition programs, and SNAP enrollment assistance. Families can visit the main Tucson location or any partner pantry; bring photo ID and proof of address when possible. Services are provided regardless of documentation status.

520-622-0525 · 3003 S Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85713 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. United Food Bank (Mesa) — Free

Mesa-headquartered food bank serving the East Valley and eastern Arizona, including Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Superior, Globe, Show Low, and surrounding communities, through more than 200 partner agencies, pantries, mobile distributions, and senior and school-based food programs. Families can receive food assistance through any partner pantry or by contacting United Food Bank directly. Bring photo ID and proof of address when possible, though most pantries serve residents regardless.

480-926-4897 · 245 S Nina Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

6. Yuma Community Food Bank — Free

Regional food bank serving Yuma County and La Paz County through partner agencies, mobile pantries, and direct-distribution programs in Yuma, Somerton, San Luis, Wellton, Parker, and Quartzsite. Distributes emergency food boxes, fresh produce, and holiday meals to families in southwestern Arizona. Most partner pantries serve residents regardless of documentation; bring photo ID and proof of address when available. Bilingual Spanish-language assistance is typically offered at pantries.

928-343-1243 · 2404 E 24th St, Yuma, AZ 85365 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

7. Arizona 2-1-1 - Food Assistance — Free

Free statewide information and referral helpline operated in partnership with Solari connecting Arizona residents to nearby food pantries, hot meal programs, SNAP and WIC enrollment assistance, senior meal programs, school backpack programs, and emergency food resources. Dial 211 from anywhere in Arizona or search online at 211arizona.org. Available 24/7 in multiple languages. No documentation, appointment, or eligibility screening required to receive referrals.

211 · Statewide · 24/7 · Visit Website

8. Feeding America - AZ Food Banks — Free

National hunger relief network with multiple member food banks in Arizona, including St. Mary's Food Bank, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, United Food Bank, and others. Use the ZIP code locator at feedingamerica.org to find your nearest food bank and pantry, along with hours and contact details. Free online resource available 24/7. Individual pantries may request photo ID and proof of address; most serve residents regardless of documentation status.

Search by AZ zip code · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

9. Flagstaff Family Food Center — Free

Flagstaff's primary food bank providing free groceries, fresh produce boxes, hot meals, and emergency food assistance to families across Coconino County. Operates a community kitchen serving hot meals multiple days per week in addition to pantry distributions. Bring photo ID and proof of address when possible to establish service; most visitors are served without extensive documentation. Donations of nonperishable food and volunteer hours also welcome from the community.

928-774-3189 · 3805 S Lake Mary Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86005 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm

10. Association of Arizona Food Banks — Free

Statewide coalition of five regional food banks (St. Mary's, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, United Food Bank, Yuma Community Food Bank, and Desert Mission) coordinating hunger relief efforts, advocacy, and logistics across Arizona. Helps Arizona residents find their nearest food bank through the online county-based locator. Does not typically serve individuals directly; contact a member food bank or partner pantry for emergency food assistance.

602-528-3434 · Statewide — search by county · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. Salvation Army - Food Assistance (Phoenix) — Free

Salvation Army Southwest Division operates multiple Phoenix metro community centers and corps offering emergency food boxes, hot meal programs, Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets, backpack programs for school children, and seasonal food assistance for low-income families regardless of faith background. Services vary by location. Bring photo ID and proof of address when available; specific pantries may have income or residency screening. Call a nearby corps for pantry days and requirements.

480-267-4100 · Multiple Phoenix metro locations · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (varies by location) · Visit Website

12. Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN) — Free

Mesa-based community action agency and food pantry providing emergency groceries, hot meals, case management, utility assistance, and referrals to housing, employment, and healthcare resources for low-income East Valley families. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, proof of income, and proof of Mesa or East Valley address to access emergency food and financial assistance programs. Some programs require appointment; walk-in food pantry hours also available.

480-831-8203 · 225 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210 · Mon-Fri 8am-3pm · Visit Website

13. Desert Mission Food Bank (Phoenix) — Free

Neighborhood food bank serving north central Phoenix, Sunnyslope, and surrounding communities with emergency groceries, fresh produce distributions, and nutrition education for families in need. Part of HonorHealth's community benefit services. Bring photo ID and proof of address to establish eligibility; some programs may have household income guidelines. Walk-in pantry hours are limited; call ahead to confirm current distribution schedule and any documentation required before visiting.

602-870-6062 · 9229 N 4th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

14. Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS) — Free

Prescott-based nonprofit providing emergency shelter for women and children, along with a food pantry and community kitchen serving hot meals and grocery assistance to families and individuals in the Quad Cities region (Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt). Meal services are open to anyone in need; the pantry typically serves by appointment. Bring photo ID and proof of address when accessing pantry services; meals served without documentation.

928-778-5933 · 336 S Granite St, Prescott, AZ 86303 · Mon-Sat lunch served; pantry by appointment

15. Chandler Community Food Bank (CARE) — Free

Chandler-area food bank (Chandler Christian Community Center) providing emergency groceries, fresh produce, baby supplies such as formula and diapers, and holiday food baskets to families in need across the City of Chandler and nearby southeast Valley communities. Bring photo ID and proof of Chandler or neighboring-area address to establish service. Call ahead to confirm current pantry days, any income guidelines, and documentation required for first-time visits.

480-963-1423 · 125 E Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85225 · Mon-Thu 9am-3pm

16. Paz de Cristo Community Center (Mesa) — Free

Mesa-based community center providing free hot meals served daily, a food pantry with emergency groceries, clothing closet, shower and hygiene services, and case-management referrals for homeless individuals and low-income families facing hunger in the East Valley. Meal services and basic assistance are available to walk-in guests without documentation. Bring photo ID and proof of address when possible for pantry and specific programs requiring eligibility screening.

480-464-1645 · 424 W Broadway Rd, Mesa, AZ 85210 · Meals daily 11am-12:30pm; pantry Mon-Thu 9am-11:30am · Visit Website

17. Yavapai County Food Bank (Prescott Valley) — Free

Regional food bank based in Prescott Valley serving Yavapai County residents through pantry distributions, mobile pantries reaching rural and underserved communities, summer youth feeding programs, and school-based backpack programs. Serves Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and surrounding areas. Bring photo ID and proof of address for pantry registration; most distributions serve residents with minimal paperwork. Call to confirm current schedule before visiting.

928-775-2895 · 7300 E Civic Cir, Suite 3, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?: Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?: Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?: Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?: USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.