Due to COVID-19, some pantries are closing or changing their hours. Please call ahead to ensure the pantry is open.
Who Can Get Help?
If you think you’re alone, think again. There are thousands of people in the Lynchburg area who need help to put food on their table. Everyone needs a helping hand, sometimes.
Thankfully, there are caring people and organizations ready to help.
Anyone who asks for food can get it. There is enough food for everyone.
Every organization listed on this site provides food free of charge. And you will never be denied food because of your race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or a disability.
What Can I Expect When I Visit a Food Pantry?
You can expect to be treated with kindness and respect, and not judged because you need a helping hand.
The majority of food pantries in Lynchburg will provide food if you ask, no matter how much money you make.
However, some pantries offer additional food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (called “USDA” or “TEFAP” food). In order to receive this food, you must meet certain income guidelines (see below). A few things to know about USDA food:
- You must share honestly how much money your family makes, but you do not have to bring any documented proof of income
- USDA food can received once per calendar week
- For non-USDA food, you may visit as many pantries as you need to
To see which pantries offer USDA food, and which offer food regardless of income, visit the Get Help page.
The Emergency Food Assistance (TEFAP) Household Income Guidelines 2023
185% of the 2023 poverty guidelines used to determine TEFAP eligibility in Virginia:
| Family Size | Weekly Income | Bi-Weekly Income | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $519 | $1,124 | $2,248 | $26,973 |
| 2 | $702 | $1,521 | $3,041 | $36,482 |
| 3 | $885 | $1,917 | $3,833 | $45,991 |
| 4 | $1,068 | $2,313 | $4,625 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $1,251 | $2,709 | $5,418 | $65,009 |
| 6 | $1,434 | $3,105 | $6,210 | $74,518 |
| 7 | $1,616 | $3,502 | $7,003 | $84,027 |
| 8 | $1,799 | $3,898 | $7,795 | $93,536 |
*For family units of more than 8 members, add $183 weekly, $397 Bi-weekly, $793 monthly or $9,509 yearly for each additional member.
If everyone in your household receives at least one of the following — SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) — you automatically qualify for USDA food.
If you have questions about this information, email us at lynchburgfeeds@brafb.org or call us at 494-455-4099.