Where to find free food in Huntsville & Madison County
In this time of uncertainty, there are lots of North Alabama families facing hardships. Anxiety about unemployment, along with food insecurity, is at the top of that list. In fact, one of the questions we hear from parents the most is about where to find free food in Huntsville during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you know a family struggling, share this list of resources with them. We’ll also be adding any special food distribution events to our Event Calendar as we become aware of them. We encourage readers to contact the organizations directly (links below) before heading out to collect food or other essentials.
Resources for Free Food in Huntsville & Madison County
Call 2-1-1
View Website
If you need free assistance, the first place you should start is with the United Way of Madison County. This excellent organization works with just about every other organization that serves families and children in the Rocket City. The United Way helps to meet needs year-round, so they’re already established when it comes to things like which places are offering free food in Huntsville such as produce, hot meals, or non-perishables. Just click on the need below to find their resources, or if you’re in Madison County, call 2-1-1 to speak to an actual human. They can also answer specific questions about your personal situation.
- Food Assistance
- Housing
- Clothing & Diapers
- Transportation
- Healthcare Services
- Counseling & Family Services
- More Needs…
Local School Student Meal Programs
Our local school districts are serving their students and communities in the best ways that make logistic sense to them. Each school system is also funded differently. When schools closed in March, these local school systems were able to keep serving their students, but funds are quickly running out and its possible the Summer Meal Service program will begin early. Contact your school system directly to inquire about the latest student meals they are providing.
- Madison County Schools Student Meals
- Huntsville City Schools Student Meals (meal plan updated 4/17)
- Madison City Schools Student Meals
Local Restaurants
Some restaurants in the Huntsville area are going the extra mile to provide food for their community. Availability varies from week to week, so please check before picking up food. Know a place we should add that is offering free food in Huntsville? Leave us a comment below!
Kids Eat Free Deals – Many restaurants in our Kids Eat Free Guide are offering curbside or delivery meals.
Phuket Thai Restaurant has daily boxes of chicken fried rice for anyone who has lost their job during the pandemic. All you have to do is call ahead 256-829-8800 to arrange for pickup or message their Facebook Page.
Ruchi is providing lunches for kids 17 and younger from 11:30-1:30, no purchase necessary
Lunches of Love
View Website | Facebook Group
We love this all-volunteer network formed by Mission Firefly, a faith-based organization doing both international and local service projects. It’s led by good people doing good work in communities all over North Alabama. Lunches of Love worked with schools, churches, nonprofits, and private companies early on in the Covid-19 crisis, and they continue to serve kids and their families and help them find resources for food. Email jenda@missionfirefly.org for details.
Manna House
View Website | 256-503-4848
A great resource for anyone experiencing food insecurity in the area. Manna House also distributes clothing, diapers, and formula for all families in need, no matter their circumstances. They have nightly food distribution Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, no appointment needed.
Boys & Girls Club of North Alabama
View Website | 256-534-6060
Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama locations with feeding programs will provide meals and snacks daily for pickup to all youth 5-18 in their communities. Check with your local Club for more information about drive-through times.
3rd Street Club – 256-353-8782
Athens Club – 256-232-4298
Ben Sanford – 256-259-3405
Cavalry Club – 256-270-8953
James A Lane Club – 256-536-1596
Oak Park – 256-686-1915
Priceville – 256-686-1915
Seminole – 256-564-7018
Sparkman Homes – 256-539-5607
Local Churches & Non-Profits
At the time of publication, several churches were serving hot meals or providing food bags for families that need it. Availability varies from week to week, so please click the links below to call ahead and check before you show up.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church is handing out non-perishables on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
United Church of Huntsville has food pick-up on Wednesday & Saturday
The Vision Ministry provides hot meals
The Harvest Fellowship Church in Toney – food distribution every weekday from 4-6 PM or until they run out of food.
Asbury Church Food Pantry in Madison
First Baptist Church of Meridianville will distribute food on Monday from 10AM – 2PM
Rose of Sharon Soup Kitchen – sack lunches every morning and have tables of free food outside. Contact Lisa at 256-536-2970 to sign up for a food box!
For Further Reading…
- As Alabama schools end meal programs, burden shifts to food banks
- How to help Lunches of Love
- Feeding kids in Madison County during Covid-19
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