Food Assistance Resources in Indiana

Last updated September 5, 2026

If you or someone you care for is struggling to afford enough food in Indiana, you are not alone — and real help is available. Indiana administers several federal nutrition programs, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), through the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). These programs serve millions of Hoosiers each year and can be accessed even if your situation feels complicated.

Beyond government programs, Indiana has a strong network of food pantries, community meal sites, and faith-based food programs spread across all 92 counties. The fastest way to find what is available near you — including emergency food boxes, hot meals, or mobile food distributions — is to call 2-1-1 (dial or text 211), Indiana's free statewide helpline that connects you to local resources 24/7.

Many food assistance programs have broader eligibility than people expect, and applying does not affect your immigration status in most cases. If you are unsure whether you qualify, a 2-1-1 specialist or a local FSSA caseworker can help you figure out your options at no cost to you.

Key programs in Indiana

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Indiana FSSA

Provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to help low-income individuals and families buy groceries at most supermarkets and many farmers markets across Indiana.

How to access: Apply online at connect.in.gov, visit your local FSSA Division of Family Resources office, or call 1-800-403-0864. You can also start the process by calling 2-1-1 for guidance before you apply.

WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) – Indiana WIC

Provides nutrition support, healthy food benefits, breastfeeding help, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income guidelines.

How to access: Contact your local Indiana WIC agency through the Indiana FSSA website or call the Indiana WIC office at 1-800-522-0874 to find the clinic nearest you and schedule an appointment.

2-1-1 Indiana

A free, confidential helpline that connects Hoosiers to local food pantries, community meals, emergency food assistance, and other social services anywhere in the state.

How to access: Dial or text 2-1-1 from anywhere in Indiana, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also search online at in211.communityos.org to browse local food resources by ZIP code.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) – Indiana

A federally funded program that distributes USDA commodity foods — such as canned goods, grains, and protein items — to low-income Hoosiers at no cost through local food banks and distribution sites.

How to access: TEFAP food is distributed through Indiana's regional food banks and their partner pantries. Call 2-1-1 or contact your nearest Feeding Indiana's Hungry (FIsH) member food bank to find a TEFAP distribution site near you.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program & Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) – Indiana

CSFP provides monthly boxes of USDA foods to low-income adults aged 60 and older. The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program provides coupons for eligible seniors to purchase fresh produce at participating markets.

How to access: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to ask about both programs. Find your nearest agency through the Eldercare Locator by calling 1-800-677-1116 or visiting eldercare.acl.gov.

Food Assistance resources for Indiana

211 (United Way)

Nationwide

Free, confidential referral line for food, and other essential local services. Dial 211.

211
Visit

Feeding America

Nationwide

Nationwide network of food banks connecting people to local pantries and meal programs.

1-800-771-2303
Visit

SNAP (USDA Food & Nutrition Service)

Nationwide

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — monthly benefits to buy food for eligible low-income individuals and families.

Visit
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