Throughout greater Tucson, many organizations supply food for free or very low cost to those facing food or other resource insecurity. The interactive map below (or view a full-screen version in a new browser window) features the locations of some of these organizations and information on how to utilize them. See a key for reading the map below.

Map Features/Key:

We are continuing to update the map, so information is subject to change as more is added and as organizations change their distributions.

Layers: There are three map layers based on time. Uncheck times you are not available for to see which resources are available when you have time to get food.  Some resources are duplicated on multiple layers as they are open at many times.  These are the layers:

• Weekday Morning
• Weekday Afternoon/Evening
• Weekend

Colors: The colors correspond with how you can reach the resource from the University of Arizona.  They do not rate the resources on quality or overall accessibility, but are designed to help students find things that fit their transportation needs.  

• Light Green: Within walking distance of the UA campus (around or underneath one mile from the edge of campus).  
• Turquoise: Car or bus needed — up to one transfer (two buses total) and travel time one way is around or under 45 minutes.
• Dark Blue: Same as above but with over 45 minutes of travel time, or a factor for consideration like a long walk or over two bus routes needed.
• Note: These are intended to give people more information about accessing resources, not to deter anyone from using them.  Many of the bluer colors may work well for you. 

Icons: The icons show the type of resource it is.

• Grocery cart: Food bank or continual distribution center.  May allow you to select food from a variety of options.  
• Arrow: Distribution point during specific times, sometimes less often.  Less likely to allow selection.  
• House: Location for non-food services.  Many organizations that give food also give many other services, but the ones with houses do not give food at this location, only other helpful resources.  
• Knife and Spoon: These locations give out prepared meals.

Description: Click on each location in the list on the side of the map, or on its marker on the map to view its description.  This includes:

• Brief information about the organization (How large it is, if it is religious, what type of food it gives out, etc.)
• Hours/times the location gives food
• Any requirements there may be to receive food (registration, photo ID, no requirements, etc.)
• A link to the organization’s website, if applicable
• The address and walking/public transport directions to the organization from the UA.
• Any other relevant information.

Editor’s Note: This map was produced as part of the “Confronting Scarcity Project” – a collection of reporting, commentary, maps, audio and more aimed at destigmatizing and amplifying the conversation around food and basic needs insecurity. This project was produced with students and the university community in mind as part of a collaboration between the Daily Wildcat and the UA School of Journalism’s student media apprenticeship program.

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