No one in New Haven should go hungry. Food pantries give you groceries to take home, soup kitchens and community meals serve a hot plate, and SNAP (food stamps) helps you buy your own food at the store. Most pantries are free and open to anyone, and many do not ask for ID or proof of income.
The programs below are the verified food resources in our New Haven directory. If you need food today, call 211 for the nearest pantry that is open right now.
Who can get help
Pantries and community meals are generally open to everyone, no questions asked, though some ask for your address to confirm you are in the area. SNAP has income limits based on household size; you can get a quick estimate from our Benefits Check tool and apply through Connecticut DSS.
Food pantries and meals in New Haven
Believe In Me Empowerment Corporation Food Pantry
Believe In Me Empowerment Corporation
Monthly food pantry on Dixwell Avenue serving the community.
Bethel AME Church Food Pantry
Bethel AME Church
Church-based food pantry serving the Dixwell/Newhallville community. Part of the historic AME mission to serve the needy.
Beulah Heights Social Integration Program
Beulah Heights Church
Comprehensive services for homeless individuals and those returning from incarceration. Warming center, meals, resource center, and van transportation.
Breakthrough Church Food Pantry
Breakthrough Church
Monthly food pantry at Winchester Ave Police Substation. Bring own bags and carts.
Catholic Charities - Grand Avenue Food Pantry
Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Hartford
Monthly food pantry serving Fair Haven area residents with income restrictions.
Chapel on the Green
Trinity Church on the Green
Outdoor worship service and free meal for homeless and vulnerable community members. Drumming circle, Eucharist, healing prayers, and fellowship.
Christian Community Action
CCA
Faith-based nonprofit since 1967 providing food pantry, housing assistance, and case management. NEW HOPE housing program offers furnished apartments for up to 36 months.
Christian Community Action Food Pantry
Christian Community Action
Food pantry providing groceries to families in need. Serves New Haven residents.
Community Baptist Church Mobile Food Pantry
Community Baptist Church
Monthly mobile food pantry distribution.
Community Soup Kitchen of New Haven
CSK New Haven
Free meals served since 1977. Lunch 5 days/week, Saturday breakfast. No qualifications required - open to all.
Continuum of Care Emergency Housing
Continuum of Care Inc
Emergency housing serving 100+ homeless individuals daily. Provides food, shelter, and support services.
Dixwell Newhallville Community Mental Health - Food Pantry
Dixwell Newhallville Community Mental Health Services
Monthly food pantry at the community mental health center. Bring photo ID and proof of address for first visit. Bring bags for shopping.
Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK)
DESK
Free hot dinner served every evening, plus case management, social services, and connections to housing.
East Shore Senior Center
City of New Haven
Senior center offering congregate meals, health screenings, flu shots, exercise programs, social activities, and transportation services for older adults in the East Shore neighborhood.
Food Pantry at Jewish Family Service of New Haven
Jewish Family Service of New Haven
Food pantry for Greater New Haven residents. By appointment only. Requires income verification, proof of residency, proof of family size, entitlement benefit cards, and photo ID.
How to get started
Find a pantry or meal below
Check the hours, since many pantries are open only on certain days. Call ahead if you can.
Bring a bag and an ID if you have one
Most pantries do not require ID, but bringing one and a reusable bag can speed things up. Ask what they need.
See if you qualify for SNAP
SNAP puts money on a card for groceries every month. Use our Benefits Check tool for a quick estimate, then apply through DSS.
Common questions
Where can I get free food in New Haven?
Food pantries and soup kitchens across New Haven give out free groceries and meals. The programs on this page are the verified options in our directory. Check the hours and call 211 if you need food today.
Do I need to prove income to use a food pantry?
Usually not. Most pantries are open to anyone and do not check income. Some ask for your address to confirm you live in the service area. Call ahead if you are unsure.
How do I apply for SNAP (food stamps)?
You apply through Connecticut DSS. Our Benefits Check tool gives you a quick estimate of whether you qualify and roughly how much, before you apply.
Not sure where to start, or do not see what you need?