Nobody should go hungry.
Did you know that there are several ways for families to get free food if they are in need? Here are some places and organizations providing free food in the San Antonio area and nearby.
Year-Round Free Food Resources
Community First Food Pantries
Community First has installed more than 50 free food pantries, open to anyone, in and around San Antonio at local churches, schools, and community organizations. They are easy to access, most are located outdoors, and are available 24/7*. Anyone is welcome to take what they need when they need it, with no sign-up or registration needed.
To find a Community First food pantry near you, use the food pantry map on our website, CommunityFirstHealthPlans.com/Food-Pantry
*Some food pantries are located indoors and open during the organization’s hours of operation.
San Antonio Food Bank
The San Antonio Food Bank’s website SAFoodBank.org/Help has a list of locations and food distribution events, as well as a link to help you find and apply for benefits for which you may be eligible. Enter your zip code to find nearby pantries and upcoming distribution events. You can also call 210-337-3663 or 210-431-8326 for more information.
211
Anyone can call 211, toll-free, or visit 211Texas.org to ask where to find food, other community resources, and social services. Press option “1” to get help finding food pantries and meal sites.
FindHelp.org
FindHelp.org helps people find food and other support. Visitors can search for help by entering a zip code anywhere in the country. No email address or application is required; the website is free, anonymous, and available for anyone to use at any time.
FreeFood.org
FreeFood.org lists food pantries and places to find free food across the country. You can search first by state and then by city or town. The website is free to use and does not require any sign-in or personal information.
Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
WIC provides healthy food boxes and virtual or in-person nutrition information for pregnant or breastfeeding women and families with children through age 5. Learn more and apply for WIC assistance on their website at TexasWIC.org.
San Antonio Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels San Antonio delivers fresh, hot meals to seniors and people with disabilities and pet food for their pets. They can deliver meals to homebound individuals in Atascosa, Bexar, Comal, Edwards, Frio, Guadalupe, Karnes, Uvalde, and Wilson counties. Sign up to get meals on their website at mowsatx.org.
Catholic Charities San Antonio
Catholic Charities San Antonio offers the St. Stephen’s CARE Center, set up like a supermarket, so families can choose what they want. You’ll need a form of ID with your current address, proof of address, and a Social Security card or birth certificate of the person in the household who needs the assistance. Find out more at CCGCC.org/St-Stephens-Care-Center-Food-Pantry or call 210-226-6178 for hours.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
St. Vincent de Paul offers food assistance, clothing, and other resources. Visit SVDPSA.org for ways to get help and a list of resources by county, or call 210-223-1200.
The Salvation Army San Antonio
The Salvation Army provides free food through pantries, meals, and other social services. Visit their website to learn more or call (210) 352-2020.
Feeding America
Feeding America is a national organization that contributes to food banks. They have a food finder by zip code on their website, FeedingAmerica.org, which includes helpful information and links to other types of support.
Mutual Aid Groups
Mutual aid groups are voluntary, community-based networks of neighbors helping neighbors. Mutual aid means there is no government or corporate involvement. Find a mutual aid group near you at MutualAidHub.org. You can also search for mutual aid groups on social media platforms in your area, such as community gardens or a Buy Nothing group.
Free Holiday Meals
46th Annual Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner
One of the city’s largest free holiday meal traditions, Raul Jimenez’s “Feast of the Heart” feeds around 25,000 local senior citizens and people in need a full, traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner. All are welcome at the Henry B. González Convention Center community dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Doors open at 9 a.m., with an all-faith worship service at 10 a.m., then food service, entertainment, and dancing from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. VIA usually offers free rides to the dinner for anyone. Learn more at RaulJimenezDinner.com.
H-E-B Feast of Sharing
H-E-B’s Hunger Relief Program has provided food for people in Texas and Mexico since 1982 under various initiatives, primarily donating money and unsold food to food banks, disaster relief, and the H-E-B Feast of Sharing holiday dinners. H-E-B started serving holiday meals to communities across their service area in 1989, and it serves them year-round on a rotating calendar. The next H-E-B Feast of Sharing in San Antonio is on December 20, 2025, at the Henry B. González Convention Center. There will be food, music, and good cheer; all are welcome!
Community First is here to help.
Community First Health Plans Members who have a Service Coordinator can also call them directly to get connected with community resources and other local organizations that can help. If you do not have a Service Coordinator and would like to speak with someone from our Member Services team, call us at 1-800-434-2347.
The Season for Giving
If you are not in need and want to help others put food on their tables, you can check out the websites above to find out how to volunteer or donate.