In November 2025, funding delays for SNAP—the nation’s largest food assistance program—left 42 million Americans in limbo. For many, this meant empty fridges, crowded food banks, and uncertainty as stress grew over when help would arrive.
Food insecurity is an extremely common issue in America. Whether you’re lower or middle class, you likely know someone who relies on EBT. Having enough food to feed your family shouldn’t be something people have to struggle for—access to food should be a given. In these difficult times, here are some places where you can get food for free or at very low cost.
Food banks are a common place to get free food, but finding the ones closest to you can be a challenge. SF Marin is a popular food bank that gives out high-quality groceries, and their website includes a food locator to help you find distribution sites across San Francisco and Marin.
Another great option is the app Too Good To Go, where restaurants offer “surprise bags” of leftover food they don’t want to waste. You can choose bags focused on produce, poultry, dairy, sweets, or just get a random mix delivered to your doorstep. These bags usually cost $4–$7, depending on how much food you receive.
Food insecurity has been a long-standing issue in America, and even though the shutdown has ended (for now), it’s always helpful to know where to find low-cost or free food in case of an emergency.
