Free Food, Fitness & Nutrition Programs for Cancer Patients
Exercise and nutrition play a vital role for all of us and that is especially true when going through cancer treatment. However, as many of us know firsthand, cancer treatment presents a real barrier to both, especially when you add in unaffordability to the mix. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and you are having trouble affording either (or both), the free programs below can put food on the table and provide access to meaningful exercise programs all at zero cost for cancer patients in the USA.
The programs below offer free food, fitness, and nutrition to help you live your very best life after a cancer diagnosis. From nutritional supplements to yoga, these agencies are focused on your health and wellbeing and offer custom programs just for you to best meet your nutritional and exercise needs. Please reach out today. ❤️
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Amazon EBT Program
Description:
The Amazon EBT program provides a vast selection of grocery items that can be conveniently ordered online using SNAP benefits and delivered to your door. Choose from a wide range of food items from fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, to pantry staples such as cereals, pasta, and canned goods and more. Visit this link to enroll.
Wellness House Online Exercise Programs
Description:
Wellness House is a national nonprofit that provides free online yoga, mind/body movement, Pilates, Tai-Chi and individual consultations to cancer patients in the USA. No experience required, and all abilities are welcome. Please visit this page on the Wellness House website to view the current schedule and signup for free online exercise classes.
Hope Connections Online Fitness Classes
Description:
Free virtual online fitness classes for cancer patients and caregivers over the age of 18 in the USA. Weekly programs via Zoom for yoga, Pilates, Tai-Chi and more. Certified instructors help you relieve stress, strengthen muscles, and have fun in an inclusive, supportive environment. To enroll in this free fitness program, please complete the orientation form here to get started.
Lending Hearts Virtual Programs
Description:
Free virtual wellness programs for cancer patients in the USA. All programs are available nationwide online at zero cost and include classes on yoga, mindfulness & relaxation, nutrition, and more. To view the current schedule and enroll for upcoming sessions, please visit this link.
Lasagna Love Meal Program
Description:
Lasagna Love is a global nonprofit that connects neighbors with other neighbors through free homemade meal delivery. Lasagna Love’s mission is simple: feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities. To request your free meal delivery, please visit the Lasagna Love’s website here.
Maple Tree Cancer Alliance Exercise Program
Description:
Free live virtual exercise programming for cancer patients in the USA. You can participate in evidence-based, individualized exercise oncology training virtually via Zoom. The exercise programs tailored to each individual based on the availability of exercise equipment in the home. To sign up, please visit the Maple Tree Cancer Alliance here.
Cancer Pathways Free Online Yoga Classes
Description:
Free virtual yoga classes that meet weekly for one hour online via Zoom. This program is designed for cancer patients who want to put a little more exercise into their routine in a safe, supportive, and relaxing manner, and is available to all in the USA whether currently in treatment or not. To view upcoming sessions and register, please visit this page of the Cancer Pathways website.
Nature's Own Supplement Program
Description:
Nature’s Own provides a free nutrition program for children with serious medical conditions including cancer who do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance coverage. Eligibility is based on income. To download the current application with income requirements, visit the website here. Completed applications must be signed by your doctor and faxed to (740) 548-3879.
Moving for Life Online Exercise Program
Description:
Free virtual exercise program for cancer patients anywhere in the USA. Each session includes relaxing stretching sequences and every class member receives personalized instruction and is guided to build greater awareness of, respect for, and control of all part of the body (helping body image and self-respect). To join, please view the online schedule for upcoming classes.
LivingWell Yoga Program
Email: info@livingwellcrc.org
Description:
Take free weekly online classes with LivingWell fitness/yoga instructors. For class schedule and links, please send your request to the contact email above. (To participate, you must complete a Medical Release Form and have a cancer diagnosis date within the last three years or have a metastatic diagnosis.) Watch on-demand recordings of LivingWell fitness and yoga classes at bit.ly/LWFitnessYogaYouTube.
Life with Cancer
Description:
Free virtual exercise and nutrition programs for anyone in the USA who has been diagnosed with cancer as well as family members and friends. Online classes include yoga, mindfulness, stress management, healthy living, cooking, and more. For class information and online registration, please visit this website link to the program.
Cancer Nutrition Consortium
Description:
The Cancer Nutrition Consortium provides nutritional support for cancer patients through recipes, expert guidance and free nutritional Carepacks by mail for anyone in the USA currently undergoing cancer treatments. Each Carepack contains 3 ready-to eat meals, 3 protein shakes, whey protein powder and a protein powder shaker. To request your Carepack, complete the form on the Cancer Nutrition Consortium website here. To learn more about other program offerings, please visit the main website.
Cook for Your Life
Description:
Cook for Your Life, a program of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, provides nutrition information, recipes, and how-to cooking videos to help cancer patients, families, and caregivers cook delicious and nutritious meals that promote wellbeing. All access is free. To get more information on this no-cost program and to view the recipes and videos, visit the Cook for Your Life website here.
Feeding America Grocery Program
Description:
Feeding America is a nationwide network of food banks and food programs throughout the USA to help you find free groceries in your local community. To connect with your local food bank and learn about upcoming free food distributions in your area, please visit this page and simply enter your ZIP code to find help today.
Why Hunger
Email: why@whyhunger.org
Description:
Why Hunger connects people to free, nutritious food. Nationwide database of community-based organizations and emergency food providers to get help now. Eligibility is based on financial need. Search for the provider near you using their online search tool located here on the Why Hunger website.
Meals on Wheels America
Phone: (888) 998-6325
Email: info@mealsonwheelsamerica.org
Description:
Free meal delivery to the elderly and disabled in the USA. Eligibility for this free meal program is based on financial need. To locate the Meals on Wheels service provider in your area, please visit the search form on the Meals on Wheels website here. Your local program may also have funds to help pay for your pet’s food, too. Ask about the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets program when you contact them.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Phone: (800) 221-5689
Description:
SNAP, a service of the US Department of Agriculture, offers free help buying groceries for millions of individuals throughout the USA. Eligibility is based on financial need. You can call SNAP at (800) 221-5689 for assistance. Many states now allow you to apply online. Here are links to state websites that provide this online service.
Abbott Nutrition Pathway Plus Program
Phone: (855) 217-0698 (M-F 8:30-5:00 EST)
Description:
The Abbott Nutrition Pathway Plus program provides free supplement products to eligible cancer patients experiencing financial difficulties. Program eligibility is based on lack of insurance coverage and financial need. To complete the free application, please download it or submit it online using this link or call toll-free (855) 217-0698 for help over the phone.
PearlPoint Nutrition Counseling
Phone: (877) 467-1936
Email: guidance@pearlpoint.org
Description:
Free nutrition consultations via phone or email with an experienced registered oncology dietitian for nutrition education and side-effect management for all cancer patients in the USA. Available to all cancer patients regardless of diagnosis. To schedule a free consultation, please visit the PearlPoint website request form here.
LiveStrong at the YMCA
Description:
A free, twice-weekly 12-week program that provides cancer patients with cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, yoga, balance, and flexibility exercises by YMCA-certified instructors. Open to all patients 18 and over. To find a program near you, search the LiveStrong YMCA program website here.
Our Top-Pick Nutritional Guide
An IACP award-winning guide that integrates science-backed nutritional advice with practical, delicious recipes. Serves as an empowering resource for those battling cancer with 150 new and updated recipes with shopping lists, easy-to-follow instructions, and ways family can help. A CCN Top Pick!
A few years ago, I was living with my gran and we were on the brink of bankruptcy. Thanks to one of my friends, I got to know about Meals on Wheels.
I always make it a point to make a donation to them from my paycheck every 3 months.
Hi Sam,
These agencies really do help in the time of need. It is so nice to hear you’re paying it forward, too!
This is great. Passing on to friends and family.
I have stage 4 lung cancer and am looking for Support groups and any help I can receive
Carolyn, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. There are several programs available to support you. Please see these links here for lung cancer specific support programs that are available to you free of charge: https://cancercarenews.com/free-cancer-specific-products-and-services/free-products-and-services-for-lung-cancer-patients/. If you need anything else, please let us know and we will do our very best to help you.