Where Springfield Families Can Find Free Groceries and Meals

If your family is feeling the pinch with SNAP funding on hold, you’re not alone — and Springfield is full of organizations ready to help. We’ve rounded up local resources where you can find free groceries, community meals, and kid-friendly food programs to make things a little easier.

Local Food Pantries and Food Banks

• Salvation Army — 1707 W. Chestnut Expwy., Springfield
  Wednesdays. Greene or Christian County residents only; valid ID or piece of mail required.
• Crosslines Community Outreach — 3055 E. Division St., Springfield
  Weekdays. Eligibility rules apply; see website for details.
• Well of Life Food Pantry — 418 S. Kimbrough, Springfield
  Tuesdays and Fridays. Serves central city (65806). MSU, OTC, Drury & Evangel students are also eligible.
• Hand Extended Food Pantry @ Dayspring Church — 2157 N. Prospect, Springfield
  Thursdays. Proof of address, photo ID, and social security cards required for all family members
• Flourish CDC Food Pantry @ Schweitzer Church — 2701 E. Sunshine, Springfield
  Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visits restricted to once per month; photo ID and proof of residence required for 18+.
• Least of These Food Pantry — 1720 James River Rd., Ozark
  By appointment only. Schedule online or by phone. Christian County residents; photo ID and proof of address required.
• The Dream Center — 829 W. Atlantic, Springfield
  Thursdays. Photo ID required.
• High Street Church Food Pantry — 900 N. Eastgate, Springfield
  2nd & 4th Saturdays. Photo ID required.
• Sac River Cowboy Church Food Pantry — 2320 N. Farm Rd. 101, Springfield
  1st & 3rd Mondays.
• St. Joseph Catholic Church Food Pantry — 1115 N. Campbell Ave., Springfield
  Mondays and Fridays.
• Cross Trail Outfitters Pantry — 514 W. Mt. Vernon St., Nixa
  Monthly food distribution events. Check Facebook.
• Nixa Christian Church — 400 W. Center Cir., Nixa
  Tuesdays. Proof of residence may be required.
• Republic Community Resource Center Food Pantry — 210 N. George Ave., Republic
  Appointment required; call ahead. Must live in Republic school district. 
• The Help Center in Willard — 112 W Jackson St., Willard
  For families in Willard school district. Bring photo ID.
• Grand Oak Mission Center — 2854 W. Grand St., Springfield
  Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Eligibility rules apply; see website for details.
• Ash Grove Food Pantry — 121 W. Main St., Ash Grove
  Application required, find it on the Facebook page.
• Unity of Springfield — 2214 E. Seminole, Springfield
  Open Monday - Thursday 10-4, or Sunday 8:30-1.
• Parkview Christian Church — 1362 S. Campbell, Springfield
  Open 9-noon every Monday.
• Garden Gate Provisions — 1156 W. Jackson St., Ozark
  Open to all, regardless of circumstances.
• People Helping People of Republic — 210 N Pine St., Republic
  Open Tuesdays, 2nd Saturdays, and 3rd Thursdays.

Community Meals & Free Food Events

• Salvation Army — Front Line Feeding program serves lunch daily at Harbor House: 636 N. Booneville Ave., Springfield 
• Springfield Dream Center — Community Night first Tuesday of the month at 829 W. Atlantic
• Antioch United Methodist Church — Free food distribution Friday, Nov. 14. 3614 N. State Hwy. H., Springfield
• Community Kitchen at Hood United Methodist — Drive-thru food distributions most Tuesdays. See menu posted Tuesday mornings. 139 N. Walnut, Republic
• Drew Lewis Foundation at the Fairbanks — Community dinners Thursday nights. 1126 N. Broadway
• Hyvee — Free meals for kids 12 and under / $3 for all others (week of 11/3 - 11/7)
• Ash Grove Assembly of God — Annual Community Thanksgiving dinner on 11/26. 411 N. Crestview, Ash Grove

For Families with Kids

Many organizations in Springfield offer free meals or snacks for children and teens, even outside of school hours. Check with:

• Local YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, or after-school programs
• Libraries or churches that host kids’ meal days or snack tables
• County or city social services websites for up-to-date youth meal information

Blessing Boxes, Little Free Pantries, & Community Fridges

These small, take-what-you-need spots are stocked by neighbors:

• Free Fridge SGF — Community fridge managed by Better Block SGF, located at 823 W. State St., Springfield
• The Library Station — Free produce refrigerator open to all. 2535 N. Kansas Expwy., Springfield
• Little Free Pantry — 930 College St., Springfield
• Blessing Box at National Heights Baptist Church — 3050 N. National, Springfield
• Blessing Box at Hovey House — 800 W. Hovey St., Springfield
• Little Free Pantry — 302 N Maplecrest, Nixa

Lisa | Canva

💕 Ways to Help Others

If your family is in a position to give back, many of these groups welcome donations or volunteers. A few cans of soup, a bag of rice, or a few minutes helping stock shelves can make a real difference.

More Local Resources

• 211 Helpline: Call 211 or visit 211.org for up-to-date information on food, housing, and family resources in Springfield.
• Feeding America: Find additional food pantries at FeedingAmerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank.

Macaroni KID Springfield is here to support local families — whether it’s finding fun things to do or helping when times are tough. Because being part of Springfield means showing up for each other — and we’re always here to help you find what your family needs.