Food ServicesAccess Florida has the Food Stamp Program(EBT) that helps people with low income to buy healthy food. The application can be done online. Please see the website for your local service center. The application is also used for Temporary Cash Assistance, Medicaid, and all other Department of Children and Families services.
Deaf/Hearing Impaired:
Florida Relay 711 or
TTY: 1.800.955.8771
Catholic Charities provides food to individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Several food pantries assist the poor with staples needed to get by for a week. Contact for more information.
This group has a direct aid program. It is meant to help patients who need financial assistance. There are eligibility requirements that must be met for a patient to qualify. Please call or visit the website for more information.
Toll Free: 800.927.9659
Grant Assistance includes:
American Red Cross offers disaster assistance. Services for those in the Armed forces are available as well. Their programs and services are open to all. Please call 941.379.9300 or visit their website to learn more.
CHAPS offers food and hygiene products to those living with HIV/AIDS, and their dependents. Clients are referred to by their local health department for Charlotte, DeSoto, and South Sarasota. Please call or visit website for more information.
Nocatee Church of God provides a food program for those in need. They give food to people in emergency situations. Some pantries deliver food to people whose disabilities or illnesses make it difficult for them to leave home. Please call for more information.
This group offers the Critical Financial Assistance Program. The program helps military families with grants and not loans. Help is also given in the form of grocery cards. The payments are made directly to service providers. There are eligibility criteria that must be met. Please call or visit the website for more information.
Usual Types of Assistance Are:
Friendship Cafés provide nutritious, healthy food to people 60+. A suggested donation of $2 to $4 is asked to help cover the cost of the meals. While no one is denied a meal if unable to pay, the contribution helps to provide more meals for elders in the community. Contact for more information.
Friendship Café
23 North Polk Avenue
Arcadia, Florida 32466
863.494.5965
Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 12 PM
Lunch served: 11:30 AM
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
256 South Orange Avenue
Arcadia, Florida 34266
863.464.5965
Wednesday, 11 AM to 1 PM
Lunch served: None
Meals are delivered daily, Monday through Friday. Time is based on drivers’ schedules. Meals cost $5 per person or $7.50 for two meals delivered to the same address. Cost may be different for homebound individuals 60+ receiving case management services. They may be delivered daily meals without charge or for a nominal donation. Call for more information.
St. Edmund Food Pantry provides food to all who are in need. Once a month in or in emergency. Food is distributed the second Wednesday of each month. Call for more information.
