New Orleans Food Access Hub
As of October 21, 2025, the USDA announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aka food stamps would not be issued in November. This comes after three weeks of the government shutdown. Individuals who currently receive SNAP are encouraged to seek additional food support from local food pantries and food banks. You can read the Louisiana Food Policy Government Shutdown Statement here.
For a more extensive guide on the impacts of the federal government shutdown on hunger nutrition, and agriculture, read our live document here.
Below are resources for food assistance. If you know of other resources that can be added to this guide, send the information to communications@nolafoodpolicy.org.
FOR A LIST OF WHERE TO GIVE, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM.
Where to find resources:
If you have SNAP benefits left from prior months:
Market Match: You can double them (up to a $40 match per visit) at any Crescent City Farmers market with your EBT card. Visit the market tent to receive tokens for fresh produce. Other market match partners include Grow Dat Youth Farm, At Ruver Queen Greens, New Orleans Food Co-op, Veggi Co-op, and Barcelo Gardens. For more information about the market match partners, visit the Market Umbrella website here.
SNAP assistance: NOHD will be able to provide SNAP applications and informational materials, computer access, guidance on how to complete the application, and confidential spaces where residents can both securely submit their information and also access additional services such as WIC, Healthcare for the Homeless, and more. Assistance is available at the following sites:
AP Sanchez Service Center (1616 Fats Domino Ave, 70117): First Friday of each month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
City Hall (1300 Perdido St, 70112): Second Monday of each month, 10 am-12 pm.
Allie Mae Williams Service Center (2020 Jackson Ave, 70113): Second Thursday of each month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Edna Pilsbury Health Center (2222 Simon Bolivar Ave, 70113): Third Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
New Orleans East WIC Clinic (10001 Lake Forest Blvd, 70127): Last Wednesday of each month, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
To schedule an appointment or inquire about assistance with SNAP or Medicaid applications, please visit the New Orleans Health Department webpage at nola.gov/health . Walk-ins are welcome, but please be aware that there may be a wait time, as individuals with scheduled appointments will be prioritized.
For questions about this service, please contact Luke Felty at luke.felty@nola.gov.
If you are unable to visit an NOHD site, you can call VIALINK by dialing 211 or 504-269-2673 and request the nearest application assistance site near you or visit their website (https://vialink.org/).
If you need immediate food assistance:
Map of Food Distributions & Pantries: Feeding America associated sites
Community Resource Guide: Scroll down to page 33 for free meals and food pantries.
Community Fridges: Refrigerators stocked with fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals, open to all
Food Resources Handout (from NOYA): a list of food distribution, hot meal, and red box sites as well as senior outreach luncheon dates and locations.
SproutNOLA: Visit the SPROUT community farm (300 N. Broad) on Thursdays from 4-5:30, (no need to sign up) to receive $10 in market tokens for the Crescent City Farmers Market while the government is shut down and $20 for SNAP recipients. After the shut down regular token amounts will resume ($8).
Kids' Cafe: free after-school meals and snacks for kids in New Orleans under the age of 18. Find participating locations and times here.
Additional Free Food Resources
Fall Garden Cooking Classes: Recirculating Farms,1924 Jackson Ave; see flier for dates. Free; register on this Eventbrite link.
Budget Friendly Ingredients from Market Umbrella
5 Day Meal Planning Worksheet from Market Umbrella
Refrigerator/ Freezer Tips from Market Umbrella
Where to donate:
it is important in times of need to work with organizations with existing trust and relationship to hungry community members. Please be in touch if an effort should be added below!
New Disabled South Food Assistance Fund: Donate to directly support disabled people going without SNAP payments due to the government shutdown.
Familias Unida En Acción: No-barrier food pantry that feeds people regardless of identification in New Orleans.
Consider donating directly to Feeding Louisiana Partner sites to reduce the burden on distribution. A list can be found here.
Donate fresh fruit and produce to Second Harvest: If your garden/farm has any extra produce and/or you want to help organize a food drive with your neighbors, Second Harvest will come pick up fruits and veggies from you to distribute.
Second Harvest Food and Fund Drive info
Toups' Family Meal: provides hot meals to families in need across New Orleans, including families without access to transportation.
United Way of Southeast Louisiana Government Shutdown Relief Fund - Collecting funds to cover essential needs, including but not limited to food, utility, and housing assistance, for workers and families struggling to make ends meet during this period of uncertainty.
VEGGI is offering a “feed a family” box for folks to purchase a CSA box for a family for 4 weeks.