Facing food insecurity can be a daunting challenge, and knowing where to turn for help is crucial. In Tucson, Arizona, a network of food banks and meal services stands ready to support individuals and families in need. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of food resources in Tucson, ensuring you can find the assistance you require. Remember, services can change, so it’s always advisable to contact providers directly for the most up-to-date information.
If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk, the City of Tucson Resource Line is your first point of contact. By calling (520) 791-2540, you can connect with resources for meals, medical care, mental health support, outreach programs, and other vital community services. This line serves as a central hub to navigate the support system available in Tucson.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) plays a significant role in providing food assistance. They offer language assistance free of charge for individuals with limited English proficiency who are seeking help with Nutrition Assistance, Cash Assistance, and certain Medical Assistance programs. For program assistance in your preferred language, contact your local DES office or call 1-855-432-7587.
For a broad directory of food resources, 2-1-1 Food, Clothing & Bills – Pima County is an invaluable online tool. Accessible at 211arizona.org, this directory lists locations offering congregate meals, food boxes, food co-ops, SNAP (food stamps) guidance, meal delivery services, and WIC support throughout Pima County.
Another helpful online directory, Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens (homelessshelterdirectory.org), specifically lists emergency food programs in Tucson and surrounding areas. This resource, found at homelessshelterdirectory.org, focuses on food pantries and soup kitchens providing immediate food relief.
Food Banks and Food Boxes in Tucson
For direct food assistance, several organizations in Tucson provide food banks and food boxes:
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Community Food Bank: Located at 3003 S. Country Club Rd., phone 520-622-0525, the Community Food Bank is a major provider in the region. They offer emergency food boxes through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a federal initiative aimed at supplementing the diets of low-income individuals and families. They also have additional locations for broader reach.
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Primavera Homeless Intervention and Prevention (HIP): Situated at 702 S. 6th Ave., phone 520-623-5111, Primavera HIP distributes food boxes monthly in partnership with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. They also occasionally offer donated food items on a first-come, first-served basis. To receive assistance, you will need to provide your name, photo ID, some basic demographic information, and proof of residence. Their distribution hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and no appointment is necessary.
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Interfaith Community Services (ICS): Interfaith Community Services provides emergency food assistance to those in need in Tucson. Contact them or visit their website for details on their food bank services.
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Gospel Rescue Mission – Food Box: Located at 4550 S Palo Verde Road, phone 520-740-1501, Gospel Rescue Mission offers community ministries to help Tucson residents “make ends meet.” They connect individuals and families with relevant community resources and offer various programs. It is recommended to call them directly for details about their food box distribution services as website information is limited.
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Campus Pantry – University of Arizona: Specifically for University of Arizona students and staff, the Campus Pantry aims to combat food insecurity within the Wildcat community. Located in the Sonora Room, 1st floor of the Student Union Memorial Center, their hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Check their website for the most current hours and distribution events.
Where to Find Cold Meals in Tucson
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Holy Family Church: Located at 338 W. University Blvd, phone 520-623-6773, Holy Family Church serves cold meals Sunday to Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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Caridad Community Kitchen: Situated at 845 N. Main Ave (along 2nd St.), Caridad Community Kitchen provides cold meals Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Snack Pack Resources
- Grace St. Paul Joseph’s Pantry: Located at 2331 E Adams St, phone 520-327-6857, Grace St. Paul Joseph’s Pantry offers snack packs Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Hot Meal Programs in Tucson
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Z Mansion – Workship Project: Situated at 288 N Church Ave, phone 520-907-9057, Z Mansion – Workship Project provides hot meals on Sundays at 8:00 AM.
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Northminster Presbyterian Church: Located at 2450 E. Ft. Lowell, phone 520-327-7121, Northminster Presbyterian Church serves hot meals on Mondays from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM (closed on federal holidays). Their food pantry hours are Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
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Saguaro Christian Church: Located at 8302 E. Broadway Blvd., phone 520-296-5901, Saguaro Christian Church offers hot meals on Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.
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His Presence Church Arizona: Located at 4108 E. North St., phone 520-722-2217, His Presence Church Arizona provides grab-and-go hot meals on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and food boxes on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (closed on federal holidays). They also offer grocery rescue items on Tuesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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Casa Maria Soup Kitchen: Situated at 352 E. 25th Street, phone 520-624-0312, Casa Maria Soup Kitchen serves meals every day from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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Tucson Food Share: Located at 2500 N. Stone Ave., phone 520-222-9242, Tucson Food Share offers hot meals on Mondays from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM, Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
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Lot on 22nd: Located at 4431 E 22nd St, phone 520-331-4209, Lot on 22nd serves meals on Thursdays and Sundays from 5:25 PM to 7:15 PM.
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Friendship Ministry Baptist Church: Located at 850 N 11th Ave, phone 520-622-2690, Friendship Ministry Baptist Church provides meals on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month at 11:00 AM.
For any further assistance or if you have additional questions, do not hesitate to call the library’s Infoline at 520-791-4010 or submit your question through Ask a Librarian. Help is available, and these food banks and meal services in Tucson are here to support you.
