Free Meals & Food Bank Resources in Baton Rouge

Connect with trusted organizations providing free food, meals, and grocery assistance for children and families throughout Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish.

If you or someone you know is struggling to afford groceries, you are not alone and help is available. Baton Rouge has food banks, food pantries, senior meal programs, and free hot meal sites that can help you access meals and healthy groceries at no cost.

This guide includes food banks and distribution centers, client-choice pantries, meal programs, and SNAP resources. Each listing includes contact details, services offered, and eligibility requirements when available.

Need help right now? Call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 to connect with food resources near you, 24/7.

Important: Program hours, availability, and requirements can change. Always contact the organization directly to confirm details before visiting.

Access Free Food Assistance in Baton Rouge

Food help in Baton Rouge can include:

  • Food banks (large regional distribution centers)

  • Food pantries (local groceries and food boxes)

  • Mobile food distributions

  • Free hot meals

  • Senior nutrition programs

  • Government benefits like SNAP (EBT)

Many programs serve anyone experiencing food insecurity, even if you are currently unemployed, between paychecks, or facing housing instability.

Major Food Banks & Distribution Centers

Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank

Address: 10600 S. Choctaw Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Phone: (225) 359-9940
Website: https://brfoodbank.org

How it works:
The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank is the primary food distribution hub for 11 parishes in the region. It partners with over 130 agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and churches, and also operates mobile food distributions across its service area.

Services:

  • Mobile food distributions (some require registration, some do not)

  • Adopt-A-Senior monthly distributions (for adults 65+)

  • Partner pantry network across Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes

  • SNAP application assistance

  • Summer meals program for children

Parishes served: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana.

Cost/Payment: Free

Eligibility: Open to anyone experiencing food insecurity. Some mobile distributions require registration and photo ID.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Baton Rouge – Faith-Full Food Program

Address: 1900 S. Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 336-8700
Website: https://www.ccdiobr.org/rural-outreach-food-program/

How it works:
Catholic Charities partners with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank and Feeding America to provide food boxes to registered and USDA-approved participants. Distribution sites are available in East Baton Rouge, Albany, and St. James.

Services:

  • Monthly food distribution through pantry sites

  • Retail rescue program (rescued grocery items from stores)

  • Additional emergency assistance programs

Cost/Payment: Free

Eligibility: Must register and be approved by USDA guidelines. Homeless individuals can also qualify.

Food Pantries & Client Choice Programs

HOPE Ministries – Client Choice Food Pantry

Address: 4643 Winbourne Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70805
Phone: (225) 355-0702
Website: https://www.hopebr.org/client-choice-food-pantry

How it works:
This pantry operates like a grocery store. Families select their own food based on dietary needs and preferences. HOPE Ministries also offers cooking demonstrations, tastings, and support from a Client Resource Specialist.

Hours:

  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

  • Sign-in: 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM

  • Fridays are reserved for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities

  • Serves the first 30 households in line each day

Services:

  • Supplemental groceries and pantry staples

  • Fresh produce when available

  • Cooking demonstrations and nutrition education

  • Financial literacy classes

  • Connections to additional community resources

Cost/Payment: Free

Eligibility: Serves the 70805 zip code and must meet federal poverty guidelines.

Special Notes: HOPE Ministries also offers workforce development through The Way to Work program.

The Shepherd’s Market

Address: 230 Renee’ Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone: (225) 384-0439
Email: shepherdsmarket@gmail.com
Website: https://shepherdsmarket.org

How it works:
The Shepherd’s Market is a client-choice pantry serving families in South Baton Rouge. It is 100% volunteer-run and offers one of the only client-choice food pantries in the area with evening hours.

Hours:

  • Monday: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Services:

  • Client-choice food selection

  • Fresh produce from The Shepherd’s Garden

  • Household items when available

Cost/Payment: Free

Eligibility: Focus area includes zip codes 70808, 70809, 70810, and 70820, but serves any family in need.

Special Notes: First-time clients will need a picture ID.

St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Network (Baton Rouge)

Main Office Address: 220 St. Vincent de Paul Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 383-7837
Website: https://www.svdpbr.net/

How it works:
St. Vincent de Paul operates a network of food pantries and parish conferences throughout the Baton Rouge region. Each parish pantry operates on its own schedule. Some locations also provide home visits and crisis support.

Services:

  • Food boxes and groceries

  • Clothing and household item support

  • Emergency shelter for adults, children, and families

  • Thrift stores with affordable items

Cost/Payment: Free

Eligibility: Open to those in need. Requirements vary by parish location.

Special Notes: Contact the main office or your local parish for current pantry hours and requirements.

Hot Meals & Dining Programs

Red Stick Together (Broadmoor United Methodist Church)

Address: Broadmoor United Methodist, 10230 Mollylea Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Phone: (225) 924-6269
Website: https://broadmoormethodist.org/around-br/

How it works:
Red Stick Together serves free hot meals weekly at Broadmoor United Methodist Church. The program is designed to be welcoming and community-focused, with live music and a positive message.

Hours:

  • Tuesdays at 5:30 PM

  • Served in the Casual Worship Center

Services:

  • Free hot meals for anyone in need

  • Community fellowship and connection

Cost/Payment: Free

Eligibility: Open to anyone

Special Notes: No registration required. Contact the church for the most current schedule.

Senior Meal Programs

East Baton Rouge Council on Aging – Meals on Wheels

Address: 965 North 18th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: (225) 923-8000
Website: https://ebrcoa.org/nutrition-wellness/

How it works:
The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging provides meals in two main ways:

  • Congregate meals at senior centers (hot meals served 5 days per week)

  • Meals on Wheels home delivery for eligible seniors who are homebound or unable to cook

Each delivery includes milk, fresh fruit, bread, butter, and healthy snacks. Meals are prepared with guidance from a registered dietitian/nutritionist.

Services:

  • Meals on Wheels home delivery (7 days per week)

  • Congregate meals at 23 senior center locations

  • Nutrition and wellness programs

  • Transportation to senior centers

Cost/Payment: Free

Eligibility: East Baton Rouge Parish residents aged 60+ who are disabled, homebound/convalescent, or otherwise unable to prepare their own food.

Special Notes: Call (225) 923-8000 for eligibility and enrollment.

Government Food Assistance (SNAP)

Louisiana SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Website: https://ldh.la.gov/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
Phone: (888) 524-3578

How it works:
SNAP provides monthly food benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card called the Louisiana Purchase Card. Benefits can be used like a debit card at participating grocery stores and retailers.

The amount of SNAP benefits depends on your household size and income.

How to apply:

  • Online (fastest): Visit www.dcfs.la.gov/cafe and complete an application

  • By phone: Call (888) 524-3578 during business hours

  • By mail: Download the application and mail it to:
    DCFS Economic Stability
    P.O. Box 260031
    Baton Rouge, LA 70826

  • In person: Visit your local DCFS office

Eligible purchases include:

  • Bread, cereal, pasta, rice

  • Fruits and vegetables

  • Meat, poultry, fish

  • Dairy products

  • Seeds and plants that produce food

Not eligible:

  • Alcohol and tobacco

  • Pet food

  • Vitamins and supplements

  • Hot foods sold at point of sale

  • Non-food items (cleaning supplies, hygiene items, paper products)

Cost/Payment: Free government benefit
Eligibility: Households must meet income requirements (with some exceptions for seniors, disability, SSI, and certain assistance programs).

Special Notes: SNAP benefits are posted during the first 23 days of the month based on your case number. The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank also offers free SNAP application assistance: call (225) 359-9940.

How to Find Food Help Near You

Louisiana 211 (United Way)

Louisiana 211 is a free, confidential service connecting residents to health and human services in their community.

How to reach 211:

Hours: 24/7, with support available in 161 languages.

Feeding America Food Bank Locator

A national resource that helps you find food assistance near you.

Website: https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Enter your zip code to find food banks and pantries in your area, including local programs connected to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Mobile App

Website: https://brfoodbank.org/find-help/get-the-app/

How to use:

  • Download the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank app (iOS and Android)

  • Find nearby food distributions, pantries, and mobile sites

  • Get real-time updates on schedules

  • Learn about volunteer opportunities

How Nest Health Helps Louisiana Families

At Nest Health, we believe health includes meeting basic needs like food, housing, and safe utilities. We support Louisiana families with care that is convenient, compassionate, and built around real life.

In-Home and Virtual Care

  • Medical care comes to you, so there are no transportation barriers

  • Care for the entire family in one convenient visit

  • 24/7 access to healthcare providers

Resource Connections

  • Family advocates connect you with programs in your area

  • Referrals to food banks, utility assistance, and community resources

  • Help navigating social service systems

Whole-Family Approach

  • We treat the whole family, not just one patient

  • We understand how food, housing, and stress affect health

  • Our care plans consider your full situation

If you’ve heard about Nest directly from your health plan by phone or mail, or if you see Nest on your health plan’s portal, you can call 866-222-NEST (6378) to confirm eligibility and schedule your family’s first at-home appointment. If you qualify for Nest services through Medicaid or another health plan, there is no additional cost to you.

Need Food Assistance? We're Here to Help.

Call 211 for emergency food resources.

Contact Nest Health at 866-222-NEST (6378) for additional family support.