Mesa Community Action Network (MesaCAN)

Food Assistance · Arizona · 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.

Contact & Details

Address: 225 E 1st Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210

Phone: 480-831-8203

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3pm

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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.

More Food Assistance in Arizona

  • Arizona SNAP (Nutrition Assistance) — Arizona's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, administered by DES, helping eligible low-income Arizona residents buy healthy food at
  • Arizona WIC Program — Federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children administered by the Arizona Department of Health Services, p
  • St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance (Phoenix) — Recognized as the world's first food bank (founded 1967), St. Mary's Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food annually through more
  • Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona (Tucson) — Southern Arizona's primary hunger relief organization serving Pima, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties through more than 350
  • United Food Bank (Mesa) — Mesa-headquartered food bank serving the East Valley and eastern Arizona, including Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Superior, Globe, Show Low,
  • Yuma Community Food Bank — Regional food bank serving Yuma County and La Paz County through partner agencies, mobile pantries, and direct-distribution programs in Yuma

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.