3 Ways to Get Free Food Without Coupons

As grocery prices continue to skyrocket, many people worry about their bills without utilizing the resources that they have in their neighborhoods. In fact, thousands of U.S. citizens might qualify for assistance and not even know it. If you suspect that you're one of them, here's a rundown of the ways to get free or reduced-price food without cutting coupons.

1. Visit Food Pantries

Food pantries can be hard to find because they tend to have odd hours or reside on back roads. However, you probably have more food pantries in your area than you realize. Try searching "food pantry" on Google Maps and seeing what comes up. After that, look up the hours so that you can start planning your trip. Some locations open their doors only once or twice a month, so it's important to plan ahead.

If Google Maps doesn't yield enough results, try using Feeding America's search feature or performing a basic online search. You could also visit your local library to learn about services in your neighborhood.

Many churches also run in-house food pantries. However, they don't always advertise this to the public. Search "church" on Google Maps, then gather their phone numbers and call the offices to learn more about your options. If one church doesn't distribute food, they might be able to recommend a church that does.

If you're not religious, I realize that you might feel uncomfortable entering a church. I can't promise that they won't preach to you. However, this isn't the case with every denomination, and most of them won't force you to join or do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

In any case, the exact process varies. I've been to some food pantries that gave me bags of pre-selected food, while others handed me a list and let me choose what I wanted. Make sure you let them know if you have any allergies or health concerns.

Some churches also provide weekly community lunches. Unhoused people are their main demographic, but anyone can stop by and grab a free meal. In addition to food, they might offer clothing, showers, hygiene products and access to staff members who can help you find government assistance.

Speaking of...

2. Apply for Government Assistance

Government assistance can help you stay afloat when you're low on cash. Depending on your income, you might be eligible for your state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides money to buy groceries each month. Each state has its own requirements, so look up your program online for more information.

When you're ready to apply, you'll fill out an application online or visit your local SNAP office. Afterward, you'll schedule a phone or in-person interview. This process usually takes 30 days or less, but if you make less than $150 a month and have less than $100 in resources, you might be eligible for SNAP within a week.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or a parent of a child under five, you may qualify for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This program offers free food, breastfeeding support, education and other resources. Like SNAP, each state has different regulations. You can look them up online or visit your nearest WIC office to learn more.

You could also look into Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which helps you pay for food, housing, childcare and utilities. This program is stricter than others, so you might have to pass a drug test and enter a work study program while receiving benefits.

Other options may include emergency food assistance, free food for Native Americans and free food and coupons for seniors. Seniors can also apply for Meals on Wheels to get free or reduced-price meals delivered to their addresses. While you're at it, see if your area has a BackPack Program that provides free groceries.

As a final note, I recommend applying for benefits even if you think you won't qualify. The results might surprise you, and even if they don't, you'll remind your state government that these programs have a reason to exist.

3. Download Restaurant Apps

Many fast food restaurants offer apps that come with a free or discounted meal when you sign up. The Free Food subreddit shares these deals pretty regularly, but you could also look up the restaurants in your area, then download their apps and see what you get.

Once you've used this deal, you'll get access to more discounts throughout the year. Some apps even come with a rewards program that gives you points every time you make a purchase. Eventually, you'll exchange these rewards for discounts or free orders.

It's not much, but when you're short on cash, the occasional treat is still better than nothing. Plus, you might be able to score a gift on your birthday. Some people deliberately sign up for these apps before their birthdays to get as many rewards as possible.

Have you used any of these resources? What's your advice for getting free or discounted food? Share your thoughts in the comments.