Find free, nutritious meals and food resources throughout San Antonio.
FREE MEALS FOR ADULTS
This is one of the most surprising and disheartening facts. More than half (56%) of all food-insecure households in the U.S. had at least one adult working full-time in 2023.
FREE MEALS FOR KIDS
Your guide to essential food resources. This program helps you easily locate and connect with government-sponsored and local community-based free food and meal programs.
How It Works
- Find Your Need: Are you looking for a free meal today, or do you need ongoing food assistance? Simply explore our site to see the various options available.
- Explore Resources: We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of government programs and local organizations in San Antonio. You’ll find details on food banks, pantries, meal programs, and benefit applications like SNAP.
- Connect & Get Help: Once you’ve found a resource that fits your needs, we provide you with the information to connect directly – whether it’s an address to visit, a phone number to call, or a link to apply online.
1 in 5 Texas children (roughly 1.7 million) are food insecure.
A Hidden Epidemic in Texas: While the state is booming, Texas leads the nation in the number of people facing hunger, with over 5.3 million Texans, and sadly, 1 in 5 Texas children (roughly 1.7 million) are food insecure. This highlights a severe, often unseen, crisis right here in our communities, including San Antonio.
Top Free Meal Programs In Texas
Senior Hunger is a Growing Crisis
It’s not just children; a significant and increasing number of older adults are struggling to get enough to eat. Nearly 7 million older Americans (age 60+) were food insecure in 2022, and this number is projected to rise to 9 million by 2050. Many face unique challenges like fixed incomes, limited mobility, social isolation, and the stigma of asking for help.
San Antonio Ranks Among Top U.S. Cities for Food Hardship
San Antonio’s Hunger Crisis: Key Facts
- Top 10 U.S. City for food hardship (#1 in Texas)
- 17% of households (1 in 6) can’t afford enough food
- 200,000+ families struggle with hunger daily
Why It’s Happening:
- Low Wages – Many jobs don’t pay enough to cover basics
- High Costs – Food prices up 25% since 2020
- Food Deserts – Some neighborhoods lack grocery stores
Hardest-Hit Areas:
- ZIPs like 78207 & 78203 face 30-35% hunger rates
- 1 in 3 kids in these areas goes hungry
Compared to Other Texas Cities:
| City | Hunger Rate |
|---|---|
| San Antonio | 17% |
| Houston | 16% |
| Dallas | 15% |
| Austin | 12% |
The Big Problem:
- Food banks can’t keep up with demand
- Many who need help don’t qualify for aid
Hunger isn’t just a number—it’s real families choosing between food and rent.
Source: Feeding America, 2023 data
Want to help? Support local food banks or volunteer. Every bit counts.