Food insecurity has long been a problem for many Americans – a problem exacerbated by the pandemic that resulted in nearly 1 in 4 households struggling to meet this basic need. There are resources for those who need extra assistance and now there is a google map to help people find it.
If you or someone you know needs help putting food on the table, Google’s new one can be found Find a grocery support tool to check for blackboards, pantries, and school lunches in your neighborhood. All you have to do is enter your address and click “Find Support” to fill in the locations on the map. Tap the blue flags for information about the board or school program, including address, contact information, and operating days and times.
Note that the Google tool simply aggregates information on more than 90,000 programs, with the data provided by Foodfinder, No Kid Hungry, and the USDA. This means that some information on the map may be incomplete or out of date. Even if hours are listed, you should call ahead to confirm.
In addition to the map, Find Food Support provides links to other resources – including hotlines and assistance programs – for older Americans, families, military personnel, and others who are food insecure.
Another type of local food source is a communal refrigerator or “freeedge”. These are community fridges in the neighborhood that are maintained by volunteer organizers. In contrast to boards and pantries, which often have many non-perishable goods in stock in large quantities, the open spaces are filled with donated leftovers and perishable items (such as products) that would otherwise be wasted.
Food insecure people can access these communal refrigerators for free. There is a Handful of maps and resources who keep track of the locations of communal refrigerators. And if you have the funds to donate or start a refrigerator, We have instructions for this.
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