National Hunger Hotline.
Operating across the country, the National Hunger Hotline is a Clearinghouse that provides guidance to anyone needs help in obtaining food in their local community. The non-profit that operates this on behalf of the USDA, known as WhyHunger, is focused on helping people in crisis get a hot meal or box of food while coordinating long term support. A toll free number for both English as well as Spanish speakers is below.
Anyone can use their services, regardless of age, race, language, or religion, however most people requesting support are struggling with short term challenges. It may be an unexpected job loss or reduction in work hours, and many people are struggling to feed their families due to unexpected bills, such as a car repair. No matter the reason, there can be information provided on programs that tackle hunger.
The agency can not only direct the struggling families or single people to food, groceries, meal sites, and similar resources, but they also have information on social service programs such as SNAP or WIC. These tend to be more effective at tacking the root cause, and this will include employment and similar challenges. Or clients can be referred to case management for additional support.
WhyHunger National Hunger Hotline Clearinghouse services
If someone is struggling, they should call the National Hunger Hotline. Spanish speakers, legal or illegal immigrants, English speakers, and multiple languages are covered. The agency is constantly working on collecting information on local food pantries in all parts of the country. They also assemble data on soup kitchens, churches, and also social service agencies that all work to provide food and nutrition to the less fortunate. So the number of resources available is very extensive.
When requesting help, the individual will be provided this information, at no cost to them. They can learn about a number of resources and programs, both government and charity. Or there can even be referrals to smaller soup kitchens at local churches or local sites. The main number to dial is below. We also have a detailed listing of where a food distribution center may be and look here for a food pantry.
National Hunger Hotline has details on federal and state programs too
While local pantries are always an option, and tend to be effective in dealing with emergencies, the National Hunger Hotline can provide guidance on both national and statewide resources. There is government assistance for children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and low income families. While the government does have limited resources, they can also be part of the solution when it comes to combating hunger. Some of the main ones, and a brief description, are below. The clearinghouse can provide more information on them, and even insight into the application process.
- Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is when a family will be given an EBT card to use towards the purchase of their groceries. There is also a crisis service too, and find expedited SNAP food stamps.
- WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, is requested by many callers to the National Hunger Hotline. Free formula, food for babies or infants, as well as support for pregnant women is provided.
- Children can also benefit from Summer Food Service Programs or Free School Meals.
- A few other examples include Commodity Supplemental Food Program or resources for people on Indian Reservations.
WhyHunger also advocates for the poor and low income on hunger and other challenges. Staff partner with faith based groups, charity networks and others to start Grassroot campaigns to help the less fortunate. They provide other tools as well, such as a Food Security Learning Center. This is another resource that offers information on local communities and shows the struggle that many families have when it comes to obtaining food security.
National Hunger Hotline coordinates Meals on Wheels home delivery services for the homebound. As WhyHunger, and its partners, will help deliver frozen meals, supplements and food boxes to seniors or people with a disability. Callers to the hotline will find out where they can get a delivery done too, and look here for free home food deliveries for the homebound.
Toll free National Hunger telephone number
For more information, call the hotline at 1-800-548-6479 or 1-866-348-6479 (for English). Spanish speakers as well as anyone in a different language can dial 1-877-842-6273. The days of availability of the free Hunger hotline will be Monday to Friday from 9 until 6 EST. All information is provided in English or Spanish as well.
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