Free daily meals and pantries available across Anchorage in August

There's a free hot meal somewhere in Anchorage every day in August. Between Bean's Cafe, the Downtown Hope Center and the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission, someone is serving breakfast, lunch or dinner every day of the week, no cost and no appointment.

Bean's Cafe covers all three meals daily. The Gospel Rescue Mission serves breakfast and dinner every day, and the Downtown Hope Center serves midday. On top of the daily meals, more than two dozen food pantries operate across the city, from St. Francis House, the Catholic Social Services drive-through where shoppers can come twice a month, to church and mobile pantries that rotate through neighborhoods on set dates.

Some pantries serve their own area only. Chugiak-Eagle River and Girdwood Chapel are for local residents and take appointments. Most Bowl pantries are open to anyone, though a few ask that people not line up too early.

Schedules shift, so it's worth confirming before heading out. Call 211 for the current list, check anchoragefood.org, or text SNAP to 907-891-8913 to see if you qualify for food assistance. F.I.S.H. arranges home delivery at 907-277-0818.