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 Florida

18 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 Florida

Florida handles family law in circuit courts across its 20 judicial circuits. The Department of Revenue Child Support Program oversees enforcement statewide. Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are the largest metros. Florida has an active self-help court system, free online parenting courses, and Bay Area Legal Services, Three Rivers Legal Services, and other LSC programs providing representation.

18 Resources

1. Feeding Florida — Statewide Food Bank Network — Free

Statewide association uniting Florida's nine Feeding America member food banks serving all 67 counties through more than 2,400 partner agencies and food pantries. Coordinates TEFAP USDA commodity food distribution across Florida. Call (855) 352-3663 or visit feedingflorida.org to find your nearest food bank or pantry. Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Partner agency hours vary widely by location and county across Florida.

(855) 352-3663 · 1493 Market Street, Tallahassee, FL 32312 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; partner agency hours vary · Visit Website

2. Feeding South Florida — Free

One of the largest food banks in the southeastern U.S., serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties. Distributes food through hundreds of partner pantries and holds regular drive-through community food distributions. Located at 2501 SW 32nd Terrace, Pembroke Park. Call (954) 518-1818 or visit feedingsouthflorida.org to find a pantry or distribution near you. No ID required at most distributions.

(954) 518-1818 · 2501 SW 32nd Terrace, Pembroke Park, FL 33023 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida — Free

Central Florida's primary Feeding America food bank serving Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Operates a large network of partner pantries providing free groceries to families in need. Located at 411 Mercy Drive, Orlando. Call (407) 295-1066 or visit feedhopenow.org to find a pantry near you. Open Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4 PM. Email info@feedhopenow.org for more information on partner agencies.

(407) 295-1066 · 411 Mercy Drive, Orlando, FL 32805 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

4. Feeding Tampa Bay — Free

Serves Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Polk, and Hardee counties in the Tampa Bay area. Operates The Market, a grocery-style food distribution center open to families in need, alongside a broad partner agency network. Use the food finder tool at feedingtampabay.org to locate the nearest pantry. Located at 4702 Transport Drive, Tampa. Call (813) 254-1190 or email info@feedingtampabay.org for help finding food in your area.

(813) 254-1190 · 4702 Transport Drive, Tampa, FL 33605 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; distribution sites vary · Visit Website

5. Feeding Northeast Florida — Free

Serves Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, and surrounding counties. Works with 400+ partner agencies including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in the Jacksonville area. Located at 1116 Edgewood Ave N, Jacksonville. Call (904) 513-1333 or visit feedingnefl.org to find your nearest partner pantry. Open Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. No fees to access partner pantry services.

(904) 513-1333 · 1116 Edgewood Ave N, Jacksonville, FL 32254 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida — Free

Feeding America member food bank for Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties in Southwest Florida. Feeds over a quarter million people monthly through partner agencies and mobile pantries throughout the region. Located at 3760 Fowler Street, Fort Myers. Call (239) 334-7007 or visit harrychapinfoodbank.org to find your nearest food distribution site. Open Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. No fees to access partner pantry services.

(239) 334-7007 · 3760 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Florida WIC Program — Free

Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program open to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 in Florida. Fathers with custody or shared custody may apply on their child's behalf. Provides monthly food benefits loaded on an EBT card, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals. Call (800) 342-3556 or visit floridahealth.gov/wic to find your nearest WIC office in all 67 Florida counties. No cost to participants.

(800) 342-3556 · Local WIC offices in all 67 Florida counties · Mon-Fri; hours vary by county health department · Visit Website

8. National School Lunch Program — Florida — Free

Fathers can apply for free or reduced-price school meals for their children enrolled in Florida public schools. Children in households at or below 130% of the federal poverty level qualify for free meals; up to 185% for reduced-price. Applications are submitted directly through your child's school at no cost. Call (850) 617-7700 or email nslpcommunications@fdacs.gov for information. Reapply each school year for continued benefits.

(850) 617-7700 · Applications filed at local schools statewide · Apply year-round through your child's school · Visit Website

9. TEFAP — The Emergency Food Assistance Program — Free

Federally funded program distributing free USDA commodity foods including canned goods, meat, and dairy to low-income Floridians through local food banks and pantries. No income documentation required at most sites. Find your nearest TEFAP distribution site by contacting your regional Feeding America food bank or calling (850) 617-7700. Administered through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services statewide.

(850) 617-7700 · FL Dept of Agriculture, 3125 Conner Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399 · Distribution sites vary · Visit Website

10. Meals on Wheels — Florida — Paid

Delivers free or low-cost nutritious meals to homebound seniors and disabled individuals, including fathers unable to leave home due to age or disability. Dozens of local programs operate across Florida. Call (888) 998-6325 or enter your ZIP code at mealsonwheelsamerica.org to find your nearest program. Most programs operate Mon-Fri. Eligibility and costs vary by local program. Volunteers are also needed as drivers throughout Florida.

(888) 998-6325 · Local programs statewide · Delivery Mon-Fri; hours vary by local program · Visit Website

11. Treasure Coast Food Bank (Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie) — Free

Feeding America member food bank serving the Treasure Coast region across Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties. Distributes food through partner pantries and mobile distributions throughout the four-county area. Located at 401 Angle Rd, Fort Pierce. Call (772) 489-3034 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit tcfoodbank.org to find your nearest distribution site or partner pantry. No fees to access food distribution services in the Treasure Coast region.

(772) 489-3034 · 401 Angle Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34947 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

12. All Faiths Food Bank (Sarasota/DeSoto) — Free

Feeding America member food bank serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties in Southwest Florida. Distributes over 30 million pounds of food annually through 200+ partner agencies and mobile pantries across the region. Located at 8171 Blaikie Ct, Sarasota. Call (941) 379-6333 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org to find your nearest partner pantry or upcoming mobile distribution. No fees to access food assistance through All Faiths partner programs.

(941) 379-6333 · 8171 Blaikie Ct, Sarasota, FL 34240 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

13. Midwest Food Bank Florida (Fort Myers) — Free

National food bank with a Florida distribution center serving Lee, Collier, and surrounding Southwest Florida counties. Partners with churches, nonprofits, and community organizations for regular free food distributions. Located at 9700 Commerce Center Ct, Fort Myers. Call (239) 437-3663 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4 PM. Visit midwestfoodbank.org/locations/florida for the distribution calendar. No fees for food recipients at any partner distribution event in the Fort Myers area.

(239) 437-3663 · 9700 Commerce Center Ct, Fort Myers, FL 33908 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

14. Farm Share — Statewide Free Food Distribution — Free

Florida-based nonprofit providing free fresh produce and groceries through drive-through distributions statewide. Events held regularly in parking lots, churches, and community centers across all 67 Florida counties. Headquartered at 13000 SW 264th St, Homestead. Call (305) 246-3276 or visit farmshare.org for the events calendar showing upcoming distributions near you. No ID required. A great free food resource for families throughout all of Florida's counties.

(305) 246-3276 · 13000 SW 264th St, Homestead, FL 33032 · Distribution events vary — check website calendar · Visit Website

15. Daily Bread Food Bank (Miami-Dade) — Free

Collects, sorts, and distributes food to more than 700 programs feeding hungry people throughout Miami-Dade County. Partner of Feeding South Florida providing food to shelters, food pantries, and after-school programs. Located at 72 NW 37th St, Miami. Call (305) 573-4111 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Visit dailybread.org to find partner programs near you in Miami-Dade County. Free food access through their extensive network of partner agencies and community programs.

(305) 573-4111 · 72 NW 37th St, Miami, FL 33127 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

16. Community Food & Outreach Center (Orlando) — Free

Food pantry and meal program serving Orange County families in the Orlando area. Provides emergency food boxes, hot meals, and holiday meal distributions throughout the year. No ID required for emergency food assistance. Located at 200 Terry Ave, Orlando. Call (407) 295-5005 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4 PM for meal times and food box pickup schedules. A welcoming resource for fathers and families in Central Florida who need immediate food assistance without barriers.

(407) 295-5005 · 200 Terry Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; meal times vary

17. Metropolitan Ministries (Tampa Bay) — Free

Emergency food assistance, meals, and community outreach for families in the Tampa Bay area. Provides emergency food boxes, holiday food distributions, and daily meals to those in need. Walk-in assistance available at 2002 N Florida Ave, Tampa. Call (813) 209-1000 Mon-Fri 8 AM to 5 PM. Visit metromin.org for the current schedule of food distributions and holiday meals. A trusted community resource for fathers and families facing food insecurity in Hillsborough County.

(813) 209-1000 · 2002 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

18. Summer BreakSpot — Free Summer Meals for Kids — Free

USDA-funded program providing free meals to children 18 and under across Florida during summer when school is out. No enrollment or ID required — just show up at any open site. Thousands of sites across Florida including parks, libraries, and community centers. Call (800) 504-6609 or text FOOD to 304-304 to find the nearest site. Visit summerbreakspot.org for the full site directory. Summer months only; site hours vary. Free for all children with no exceptions.

(800) 504-6609 · Sites statewide — text FOOD to 304-304 for nearest site · Summer months only; site hours vary · 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.