We are here for you because everyone should have enough to eat.
All are welcome.
Find food near you, at a Food Bank partner pantry or program site.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a food benefit card that works like a debit card to buy groceries for people who qualify. Our team can make the application process easier for you.
Select a location below to be directed to external partner resources.
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Found a pantry near you but wondering how this system works and what to expect? You’re not alone.
Our network of food pantries and programs is here to provide food to anyone in need. Read our frequently asked questions to learn how our network can help you and your family.
Anyone who asks for food can get it. There is enough food for everyone.
Every organization in our network provides food free of charge. And you will never be denied food because of your race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or a disability.
Food assistance is available to anyone who needs it, whether on a long- or short-term basis. Some people access food weekly, while some people access food once in their lifetime— everyone deserves enough to eat.
Meal sites, Mobile Food Pantries, and Neighborhood Produce Markets do not have income guidelines for their food services; anyone in need of food is welcome.
Some food pantries do have income guidelines if they receive food through the USDA’s The Emergency Food Assistance Program or “TEFAP”; however, most pantries will still offer other food if you are in need and your income exceeds TEFAP limits.
Some pantries may request proof of address because they serve people living within specific geographic boundaries. Call a pantry in advance of your visit to learn more.
You can expect to be treated with kindness and respect, and not judged because you need a helping hand.
All food pantries and soup kitchens will provide food if you ask, no matter how much money you make.
However, some pantries offer additional food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (called “USDA” or “TEFAP” food). To receive this food, you must meet certain income guidelines.
For non-USDA food, you may visit as many pantries as you need to.
Each pantry is unique in the services it provides. Some may have restrictions on the number of times a guest may visit per month or year, while others have no restrictions.
Some food pantries require proof of address because they serve people within specific geographic zones. Contact your local pantry before visiting to ask if proof of address is needed.
You will never be required to bring or show your ID, your Social Security card, or proof of income. If representatives at a partner pantry or program site ask you to present any of these items, please call the Food Bank at (540) 248-3663.
Most pantries offer a wide variety of different types of food items that you often find at your local grocery store like fresh fruits and vegetables and canned and boxed items. Also, pantries will often carry items like dairy and meat. The food comes from many sources, including donations from community members, grocery stores and the Food Bank, as well as food sourced from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Absolutely. Even if you receive SNAP benefits, you are eligible to receive food from local food pantries.
We strive to equip our partners with tools to accommodate different languages. Forms and posters are often available in multiple languages. At some pantries, there are staff who are bilingual.
If you do not speak English, we recommend you bring an English speaker with you to your first pantry or program visit, if possible. Please contact the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank if your local food assistance site does not meet your language needs: (540) 248-3663.
Some of our partner pantries offer delivery options for community members who are unable to travel to food-assistance sites. Using our Food Finder is a great way to locate help near you.
Food-assistance sites allow authorized representatives to pick up food for other people. This means a family member or friend can pick up food for you and/or your family.
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To read the full USDA Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank partners with nearly 400 community organizations throughout central and western Virginia to make it easy for everyone to access free, nutritious food. Our network of local food pantries and program sites is proud to serve anyone who asks for food, regardless of race, religion, immigration status or any other factors.
A variety of groceries are offered, typically including produce, meat, dairy, and shelf-stable items. You will be able to shop for your own groceries at some pantries.
A variety of groceries are offered, including fresh produce. Guests line up in cars and have food loaded into the trunk or backseat. Most MFP locations offer food through a senior program called the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). See a site representative for an application if you are over 60 years of age. As a government program, there will be monthly income limits. CSFP provides shelf-stable items, vegetables, fruit, a protein (beef stew, tuna, chicken, chili, beans and/or peanut butter), juice, pasta or rice, cereal, milk, and cheese.
Prepared meals are provided.
Farmer’s market style distribution in neighborhoods with a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables.
We offer Emergency Food Boxes packed with shelf-stable food, and then we refer you to a pantry near your home or work.
Call 211 Virginia
2-1-1 Virginia provides access to free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care, insurance assistance, stable housing and utility payment assistance, employment services, Veteran services, and child care resources.
Virginia CommonHelp
At CommonHelp you can apply, renew, check, and report changes for various benefit programs in Virginia, including help with child care, energy, health care, and food. You can also find local offices, jobs, and resources related to benefits.
There are a lot of friendly people helping out people like us who are in need. What you do here is really great. It helps a lot.
Some pantries offer additional food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (called “USDA” or “TEFAP” food). To receive this food, you must meet certain income guidelines. A few things to know about USDA food:
All of the information you provide will be kept confidential.
Regardless of where you pick it up, your household will only be able to pick up USDA foods once per week.
If everyone in your household receives at least one of the following—SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, Social Security Income (SSI), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) —you automatically qualify for USDA food.
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