If you are looking for free food for yourself or your family in Tucson, you are not alone. Many people are facing food insecurity due to the pandemic, job loss, or other challenges. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you get nutritious meals and groceries without spending a dime. I will share some of the places where you can find free food for kids and adults in Tucson, especially during the summer months.
School districts
One of the easiest ways to get free food for your kids is to take advantage of the federal summer meal program funded by the USDA. This program provides free breakfasts and lunches for all kids 18 and under, regardless of your income or where you live. You do not need to be enrolled in the school district that offers the meals, and you do not need to register or show any identification.
There are four school districts in the Tucson area that participate in this program: Tucson Unified School District (TUSD), Amphitheater Public Schools, Marana Unified School District (MUSD), and Sunnyside Unified School District (SUSD). Each district has different locations, dates, and hours for serving the meals, so be sure to check their websites for more details. You can also use this map to find the nearest location to you.
Some of the districts also offer mobile meal services, such as the Marana Cares Mobile, which delivers free meals to two different locations Monday-Friday from around 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. You can also pick up meals at select schools and take them home with you.
Community organizations
Another option for finding free food in Tucson is to visit one of the many community organizations that offer emergency food assistance, food pantries, or community meals. Some of these organizations are:
The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona: This organization distributes emergency food bags at Kino Stadium on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-10 a.m. You just need to bring your photo ID to pick up a bag. They also have a Food Finder tool online where you can find daily community meal service sites, information about senior food boxes, food pantries, and help with enrollment in SNAP benefits.
Caridad Community Kitchen: This is a program of the Community Food Bank that provides hot meals to anyone in need at various locations throughout Tucson. You can find a list of their meal sites and schedules on their website.
Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona: This organization not only provides diapers for low-income families, but also distributes food boxes on Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at their location on 1050 S Plumer Ave.
Food Not Bombs: This is a grassroots group that gives out free groceries twice a week to anyone who needs it. The distributions happen from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays at 600 N. Fourth Ave. You can also request a delivery through their website.
Interfaith Community Services: This organization operates two food banks, one on the northwest side and one on the east side, and distributes emergency food to low-income seniors, individuals, and families in need. You can find more information on their website.
These are just some of the many organizations that offer free food in Tucson. You can also check out the Arizona Food Bank Network’s website for more options.
Finding free food in Tucson is not impossible. There are many generous and compassionate people and organizations that are willing to help you and your family get through these tough times. Whether you need breakfast, lunch, dinner, or groceries, there is a place for you to go. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help when you need it. You are not alone.