Food Resources in Maricopa County

Arizona families can access free or low-cost food through government programs, food banks, pantries, and community organizations. These programs provide nutritious meals and groceries for children, seniors, and families in need.

🏛 Government-Sponsored Food Assistance

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES):

📍 Address: 11420 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029
📞 Phone: 1-855-432-7587
🌐 Website: DES Food Assistance

Services:

  • Government food assistance programs

  • Food banks and food pantries

  • Dining rooms

  • Hotlines and referral services

  • Emergency food help

  • Other free and low-cost food resources

Programs Offered:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Helps families afford nutritious food.

  • Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP): Streamlined application for older adults.

  • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Provides emergency food and nutrition assistance.

  • Commodity Senior Food Program (CSFP): Nutritious USDA foods and education for adults 60+.

  • Congregate and Home-Delivered Meals: Nutritious meals for older adults, delivered at home.

  • Double Up Food Bucks: Spend $1 on SNAP food, get $1 for fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.

  • Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP): Vouchers for seniors to buy fresh produce.

  • WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Vouchers for WIC participants to buy fresh produce.

🥫 Food Banks & Pantries

St. Mary’s Food Bank:

📍 Address: 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009
📞 Phone: (602) 242-3663
🌐 Website: St. Mary’s Food Bank
⏰ Hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Programs:

  • Food Distribution (partners with 600+ nonprofits)

  • Children’s Feeding Programs (school-year meal support)

  • Skills Center (job training in food service and logistics)


Desert Mission Food Bank:

📍 Address: 9229 N 4th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020
📞 Phone: (602) 870-6062
🌐 Website: Desert Mission Food Bank
⏰ Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM – 2:30 PM, Fri 9 AM – 11:30 AM

Details:

  • Guests can visit 2x per month with photo ID and proof of address

  • Languages: English, Spanish

  • Services include produce, packaged foods, TEFAP Emergency Food Boxes, CSFP Senior Food Boxes, infant food, grab-and-go lunches for unhoused guests, hygiene products, school snack packs, gardening classes, and more

Maricopa Pantry, Inc.:

📍 Address: 4660 N Hidden Valley Road, Maricopa, AZ 85139
📞 Phone: 520-709-3076
🌐 Website: Maricopa Pantry
⏰ Hours: Saturdays, 9 AM – 11:30 AM (call for updates)

Mission: Supports the local community and smaller food banks, focusing on collaboration to fight hunger.

Covenant of Grace Ministries:

📍 Address: 906 W Peoria Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029
📞 Phone: 602-678-0999
📧 Email: office@covenantofgrace.org
⏰ Hours: Saturdays, 8 AM – 9:30 AM (drive-through)

Eligibility: Walk-ins welcome with photo ID and proof of address.

Operation Care Food Bank:

📍 Address: 1827 W Grovers Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85023
📞 Phone: 602-509-3188
📧 Email: info@operationcarefoodbank.org
⏰ Hours: Tue & Thu, 9 AM – 11:30 AM (call for updates)

Eligibility: Walk-ins welcome with photo ID and proof of address.

Mom’s Pantry:

📍 Address: 13440 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85022
📞 Phone: 602-992-0083
🌐 Website: Mom’s Pantry
⏰ Hours: Sat 10 AM – 2 PM, Sun 10 AM – 1 PM

Languages: English, Spanish
Eligibility: Walk-ins with photo ID and proof of address
Services: Emergency food, holiday giveaways, and community support

🌟 Additional Food Assistance Programs

🛒 Harvest Compassion Center (HCC)

📍 Locations:

  • Maryvale: 4002 N 67th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85033

  • North Phoenix: 4744 E Thunderbird Rd, Suite 9, Phoenix, AZ 85032

  • West Phoenix: 5608 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ (near GCU campus)

⏰ Hours: Tue, Fri, Sat 9 AM – 11:30 AM (arrive 30 min early)

Requirements: Bring photo ID and bill/lease; 1 visit per 30 days. Families can shop for food, hygiene items, and clothing.

If you’ve been contacted by Nest Health or your health plan and think you might be eligible for Nest Health’s services, call 866-222-NEST.