Zapata County
Ask about Zapata County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Zapata County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Zapata County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Public health · Regional office
Zapata WIC Clinic
101 1st St, Zapata, TX 78076
Help here
- WIC nutrition and food benefitsWIC helps eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under five with healthy food, nutrition advice, and breastfeeding support.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cityoflaredo.com
State office
Texas Health and Human Services Benefits Office, Zapata
1305 Kennedy St, Zapata, TX 78076
Help here
- State benefits applicationsResidents can get help with applications for food, cash, and health care benefits.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on yourtexasbenefits.com
Community action · Nonprofit
Community Action Corporation of South Texas
204 E First St, Alice, TX 78333
Help here
- Weatherization and utility assistanceThe agency offers utility assistance and weatherization programs to households in its South Texas service area, including Zapata County.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on cacost.org
Human services · County office
Zapata County Indigent Health Care Program
801 N. US Highway 83, Zapata, TX 78076
Help here
- Indigent health careThe program helps low-income residents who do not qualify for other state or federal health care programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on co.zapata.tx.us
Mental health and recovery · Regional office
Border Region Behavioral Health Center
1500 Pappas St, Laredo, TX 78041
Help here
- Mental health and substance use servicesThe center provides mental health and substance use services to residents in Zapata County and nearby counties.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on borderregion.org
Jobs and training · Regional office
Workforce Solutions for South Texas, Zapata Career Center
605 US Hwy 83, Suite B, Zapata, TX 78076
Help here
- Job search and training helpThe career center helps people look for jobs and access workforce services and training.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on southtexasworkforce.org
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Zapata County first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Mobile pantry
Ricardo Molina Sr Community Center
Webb County
31 miles from the center of Zapata County1600 Orquidia Lane, Rio Bravo, TX 78046
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Mobil: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month
Listed on legacy.webbcountytx.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
La Presa Community Center
Webb County
32 miles from the center of Zapata County1983 Mangana Hein, Laredo, TX 78041
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Once a month
Who can come: Residents who qualify for the food bag program
What to bring: Qualifying residents must register for the food bag program.
Listed on webbcountytx.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Breaking Bread
Holding Institute Community Center
41 miles from the center of Zapata County1102 Santa Maria Ave, Laredo, TX 78040
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
every month
Who can come: Individuals in need
Listed on holding-institute.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Fernando A. Salinas Community Center
Webb County
41 miles from the center of Zapata County520 Reynolds St, 2nd Floor, Laredo, TX 78040
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Once a month
Who can come: Residents who qualify for the food bag program
What to bring: Qualifying residents must register for the food bag program.
Listed on webbcountytx.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Lilia Perez Community Center
Webb County
43 miles from the center of Zapata County4420 Old Santa Maria Rd, Laredo, TX 78041
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
Listed on webbcountytx.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Laredo Stepping Stone
53 miles from the center of Zapata County377 Palomino Rd, Laredo, TX 78045
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
each month
Who can come: People in the West Penitas community and people with immediate food needs
Listed on laredosteppingstone.com, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Zapata County
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
South Texas Food Bank
2121 Jefferson St., Laredo, TX 78040
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc.
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
South Texas Development Council
PO Box 2187, Laredo, TX 78044-2187
Listed on tdhca.texas.gov, checked on October 9, 2026
Texas programs by kind of help
These are run by Texas and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- 2-1-1 Texas
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988