Who Can Get Help?
First, know that you are not alone. There are thousands of people in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area who need help to put food on their table.
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.
All food pantries and soup kitchens in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County 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). To receive this food, you must meet certain income guidelines (see below). A few things to know about USDA food:
- You will be asked to share your monthly household income, but you will not be required to bring any documented proof of income.
- You will not be required to show an ID or proof of residency, but you must be living in the state of Virginia.
- You will be asked questions about the size of your household and information about your family.
- All of the information you provide will be kept confidential.
- Your households will be able to pick up USDA foods once per week.
- For non-USDA food, you may visit as many pantries as needed.
To see which pantries offer USDA food, and which offer food regardless of income, visit the Get Help page.
What Can I Expect When I Visit a Food Pantry that Offers USDA Foods?
Some pantries offer additional food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (called “USDA” or “TEFAP” food). To receive this food, you must meet certain income guidelines (see below). A few things to know about USDA food:
- You will be asked to share your monthly household income, but you will not be required to bring any documented proof of income.
- You will not be required to show an ID or proof of residency, but you must live in the state of Virginia.
- You will be asked questions about the size of your household and information about your family.
- You will be asked if members of your household receive benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP (“Food Stamps”), SSI (Social Services Income), or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).
- All of the information you provide will be kept confidential.
- Regardless of where you pick it up, your household will only be able to pick up USDA foods once per week.
- For non-USDA food, you may visit as many pantries as needed.
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 2024
250% of the 2024 poverty guidelines used to determine TEFAP eligibility in Virginia:
| Family Size | Weekly Income | Bi-Weekly Income | Monthly Income | Annual Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $725 | $1,569 | $3,138 | $37,650 |
| 2 | $983 | $2,130 | $4,259 | $51,100 |
| 3 | $1,242 | $2,690 | $5,380 | $64,550 |
| 4 | $1,500 | $3,250 | $6,500 | $78,000 |
| 5 | $1,759 | $3,811 | $7,621 | $91,450 |
| 6 | $2,018 | $4,371 | $8,742 | $104,900 |
| 7 | $2,276 | $4,932 | $9,863 | $118,350 |
| 8 | $2,535 | $5,492 | $10,984 | $131,800 |
*For family units of more than 8 members, add $259 weekly, $561 Bi-weekly, $1,121 monthly or $13,450,yearly for each additional member.
If everyone in your household receives at least one of the following—SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, Social Security Income (SSI), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) —you automatically qualify for USDA food.
If you have questions about this information, contact the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank at (540) 213-8413 or send an email to rswecker@brafb.org.
Food pantries that distribute USDA/TEFAP foods are equal opportunity providers.
