Housing, food & utilities7 min read

How to get food — today and every week

If you need food, help is close and you don't have to qualify for anything to get it. This guide covers two things: how to get food today from a pantry, and how to set up ongoing help like SNAP (food stamps) and WIC.

Who this is for: Anyone who needs food now, or wants ongoing help affording groceries.

Need food today?

Call 211 (free, 24/7) or search the NH Food Bank pantry map to find a food pantry near you right now. Most pantries are free and don't require ID or proof of income — you can just show up during their hours.

Get food right now: food pantries

1
Find a pantry near you
Use the NH Food Bank food map or call 211. You'll see pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile food distributions with their hours.
2
Check the hours and go
Pantries have set hours or days. Most don't require an appointment. Bring a bag or box if you can. It helps to call ahead, but it's not required.
3
Take what you need
You do not have to prove anything. Pantries are there for exactly this. Many also have a mobile pantry that comes to different towns — the map shows those, too.

Ongoing help: SNAP (food stamps)

SNAPputs money on a card each month to buy groceries. It's the most powerful ongoing food help, and many more people qualify than think they do.

Apply online at nheasy.nh.gov (NH EASY) — the same application also covers Medicaid and cash assistance.
Apply by phone through DHHS at 1-844-275-3447, or ask them to mail you a paper application.
An interview is required for SNAP — it's usually a short phone call. Answer when they call so your case isn't delayed.

What you'll need for SNAP

Social Security numbers for your household, proof of income (pay stubs or benefit letters), and your housing and utility costs. Missing something? Apply anyway and send it after — the date you apply can affect your benefits.

For pregnant people and young children: WIC

WIC gives healthy food, nutrition help, and breastfeeding support to pregnant and postpartum women, babies, and children under 5. Many working families qualify.

Start at signupWIC.com or call 1-800-942-4321 (1-800-WIC-4321).
If you already have SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you likely qualify for WIC automatically.
You'll go to a short appointment at a local WIC clinic to enroll.

Free meals for kids at school

If you have school-age children, ask the school office about free or reduced-price school meals. Fill out one application per household (many NH districts offer it online). Families getting SNAP or TANF often qualify automatically.