Food Assistance

Food Assistance in Tucson (Fall 2025)

In late October 2025, the federal government shutdown threatened to halt SNAP (food stamp) benefits nationwide. The USDA announced that November SNAP payments would be suspended, a cut affecting roughly 41 million people in the U.S. (nearly 900,000 in Arizona). A judge has temporarily ordered benefits restored, but the uncertainty highlights growing hunger risks. Many low-income Tucson families rely on SNAP and shared meals; any disruption to food aid makes access especially difficult for transit-dependent households. The organizations below (sorted by category) offer groceries, meals, and support.

Note: All information below is current as of October 31, 2025. Please email me with any incorrect or updated information. Thank you!

Major Food Banks

  • Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona – Southern Arizona’s largest food bank, providing emergency groceries, meals, nutrition education, and community garden programs. It distributes millions of pounds of food annually.

    Address: 3003 S. Country Club Rd, (Gabrielle Giffords Resource Center)
    Phone: 520-622-0525
    Website: communityfoodbank.org

    Donations: Accepts food and financial donations year-round (see website).
    Volunteer: Many volunteer roles (packing, sorting, food prep, etc.) are available at its Tucson center and partner sites; see website for sign-up.

  • Interfaith Community Services (ICS) – Food Bank – Serves northwest Tucson and beyond. ICS offers a permanent food pantry at 2820 W. Ina Rd (on Christ the King Episcopal Church campus) and a mobile food bank delivering groceries to community sites

    Address: 2820 W. Ina Rd
    Phone: (520) 297-6049
    Website: icstucson.org

    Donations: ICS accepts non-perishable and fresh food donations year-round at its Ina Rd pantry and Eastside drop-off location.
    Volunteer: ICS relies on volunteers to staff the pantry and mobile distributions; training/orientation is provided.

  • Casa Maria Soup Kitchen – A Catholic Worker–run soup kitchen feeding Tucson’s homeless and hungry every morning. Casa Maria serves hot meals daily (8:30–11:30 am, year-round except Thanksgiving/Christmas) to anyone in need.

    Address: 352 E. 25th St
    Phone: 520-624-0312
    Website: casamariatucson.org

    Donations: Accepts financial, food, clothing, and hygiene donations.
    Volunteer: Offers volunteer shifts (from kitchen work to outreach) for those wishing to help.

Grassroots and Mutual Aid Efforts

  • Tucson Food Share – Volunteer-run mutual aid group giving free groceries to all, no questions asked. Food Share holds three weekly distribution events (Mon 4:30–6:00 pm, Thu 6:00–7:30 pm, Sat 8:00–9:30 am) at 2500 N. Stone Ave.

    Phone: 520-222-9242
    Website: tucsonfoodshare.org

    Donations: They accept food donations.
    Volunteer: A fully volunteer effort; needs helpers to pick up/donate surplus produce and staff the distributions. (Tucson Food Share “operates by the principles of mutual aid… distributing food… without judgment to anyone who asks.”)

  • Food Not Bombs (Tucson) – Grassroots collective providing free vegan meals in public parks several times per week. They share surplus and rescued food community-wide.

    Food Not Bombs – Tucson Facebook
    Food Not Bombs – Tucson Instagram

University-Affiliated Pantry

University of Arizona Campus Pantry – Provides free groceries to all currently enrolled UA students, faculty, and staff with a CatCard.

  • Location: Sonora Room, Student Union Memorial Center, 1303 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
  • Phone: (520) 621-2782
  • Website: campuspantry.arizona.edu
  • Instagram: @uacampuspantry
  • Hours: Wed 2–6 pm; Fri 11 am–3 pm
  • Donations: Monetary and food donations accepted during pantry hours or by appointment
  • Volunteer: Opportunities available for students and community members

Community Pantries and Churches

  • Holy Family Church (First Congregational UCC) – Weekly free meals. Hot meals are served on Sun–Wed from 3:00–4:00 pm. Address: 338 W. University Blvd. Phone: 520-623-6773.
  • Grace St. Paul’s Pantry – Distributes food pantry boxes. Operates Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00 am–12:00 pm. Address: 2331 E. Adams St. Phone: 520-327-6857.
  • Friendship Ministry Baptist Church – Free hot meals twice monthly. Community lunches on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month at 11:00 am. Address: 850 N. 11th Ave. Phone: 520-622-2690.
  • His Presence Christian Church – Free grab-and-go meals and groceries biweekly. On the 2nd and 4th Thursdays: food boxes from 1–5 pm and hot meal at 3–5 pm. Address: 4108 E. North St. Phone: 520-722-2217.
  • Northminster Presbyterian Church – Community dinner and pantry. Free dinner Mondays 5:00–6:00 pm, and a food pantry on Tuesdays 8:00–10:00 am. Address: 2450 E. Ft. Lowell Rd. Phone: 520-327-7121.
  • Salvation Army Hospitality House – Hot meals for anyone. Free lunches Mon, Wed, Fri 11:00 am–12:30 pm. Address: 1002 N. Main Ave. Phone: 520-795-9671. (Operated by Salvation Army; see salvationarmyusa.org.)
  • Saguaro Christian Church – Weekly dinner. Free community meal on Wednesdays 5:00–6:30 pm. Address: 8302 E. Broadway Blvd. Phone: 520-296-5901.
  • Primavera Homeless Intervention & Prevention (HIP) – Monthly food boxes and support for homeless/low-income families. Provides TEFAP emergency food boxes once per month. Address: 702 S. 6th Ave. Phone: 520-623-5111. Website: primavera.org

Each of the above organizations welcomes community support. Many accept food pantry donations (canned goods, dry staples, fresh produce) or funds, and most offer volunteer opportunities. Please check the individual websites or contact them for up-to-date details on giving and helping.