More Food. Less Worry.
If you’re worried about putting food on the table, support is available. Start here to find options based on your situation.
Jump to: Help Buying Groceries | Food Banks and Home Grocery Delivery | Free Meals for Kids and Teens | SUN Bucks | Additional Resources
Need food right now?
Call 2-1-1. They can connect you to food banks, meal sites, and emergency resources near you. Help is available in multiple languages.
Help Buying Groceries
If you or your family need support buying groceries, Basic Food can help. Known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Basic Food provides monthly benefits for buying groceries. In Washington, the average Basic Food benefit is $327 per month per household.
Eligibility is based mainly on your household income. You may qualify, whether you are working or not, and many immigrants are also eligible. Additional requirements may apply depending on your household’s unique situation.
To learn more about Basic Food and how to apply, visit Hunger Free Washington.
Do you need help with the Basic Food application?
Help Me Grow Hotline
Call the Help Me Grow Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 to reach a specialist who can help you through the application process. The hotline is open on Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit a Community Service Office
Trained staff at your local Community Service Office (CSO) can help you fill out and submit the Basic Food application in-person. Find the nearest location to you below.
Food Banks and Home Delivery
Food banks are operating in your community and are open to all. They provide produce, pantry staples, and other grocery items. Some food banks also have other household goods like diapers and pet food.
Visiting a Food Bank In-Person
Most food banks welcome anyone who needs food. You usually do not need an appointment, though hours and check-in processes may vary by location. Many food banks will ask for basic information such as your name, ZIP code, and household size to help them plan their services.
Staff and volunteers are there to help, and many food banks offer language assistance.
Home Grocery Delivery Program
United Way of King County invests in community partners to provide free home grocery delivery to households in King County. The Home Grocery Delivery Program is a core part of a modern emergency food system rooted in choice, dignity, and equity.
Note: Some food banks may have waitlists for their home delivery programs or additional eligibility requirements, such as being unable to access the food bank in-person.
Free Meals for Kids and Teens
Kids and teens can receive free meals at school and community programs, so families can stretch their food budgets and make sure children have the nutrition they need to learn and grow.
School Meals
Many schools in Washington now offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, making it easier for kids to get the nutrition they need during the school day.
At other schools, families may still need to fill out a Free and Reduced-Price Meal (FRL) application to receive free or reduced-price meals. Completing this form can also make it easier for your family to qualify for additional support, like reduced fees for field trips and events.
Not sure what your child’s school offers? Visit Hunger Free Washington to check your school’s status and learn how to apply if needed.
Summer Meals
When school is out for the summer, youth ages 18 and under can still receive free meals at locations like schools, parks, libraries, and community centers. No registration or paperwork is required.
Information about 2026 Summer Meals sites will be available later this spring.
SUN Bucks
Also known as Summer EBT, SUN Bucks is a federal program that provides families with $120 per eligible child to purchase groceries during the summer months. SUN Bucks can be used at most grocery stores and farmers markets—anywhere where Basic Food (EBT/SNAP) benefits are accepted. SUN Bucks work in tandem with the Free Summer Meals program to support families when school meals are unavailable.
Most eligible children will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks based on their participation in other public assistance programs like SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or free school meals. However, there are steps you can take now to ensure your child is enrolled in SUN Bucks this summer.
Fill out the CNEEB
By submitting the Child Nutrition Education and Eligibility Benefit form (CNEEB) to your child’s school, your child will be automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks if your household income meets the program’s eligibility requirements.
Learn More About SUN Bucks
Not sure if your child qualifies for SUN Bucks, or if you need to apply? Learn more and use our eligibility screener at Hunger Free Washington.
Hunger Free Washington
Hunger Free Washington is a coordinated statewide effort led by United Way of King County. The Hunger Free Washington website includes up-to-date information about food assistance programs and eligibility, as well as opportunities to get involved in advocacy, receive policy updates, share your story, and access outreach materials for your community.
Additional Food Resources
Looking for additional food assistance options? Explore community-based programs and services available throughout our region.