Essex County
Ask about Essex County
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Essex County and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Essex County
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · County office
Essex County Department of Social Services
772 Richmond Beach Road, Tappahannock, VA 22560
Help here
- Benefits and family servicesApply for food, health care, cash, and other assistance, or ask for help with family services.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on essexva.gov
Local office · State office
211 Virginia
Help here
- Community resource referralCall 211 to find local help with housing, food, health care, and other needs.
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on 211virginia.org
Public health · State office
Essex County Health Department
423 North Church Lane, Tappahannock, VA 22560
Help here
- Public health servicesContact the health department for local health services and public health information.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on vdh.virginia.gov
Emergency help · County office
Essex County Emergency Services
202 South Church Lane, Tappahannock, VA 22560
Help here
- Emergency preparednessGet information about county emergency planning and preparedness.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on essexva.gov
Library · County office
Essex Public Library
117 North Church Lane, Tappahannock, VA 22560
Help here
- Library servicesGet a library card, borrow materials, use public computers, or reserve a meeting room.Read more
Last checked October 9, 2026 · Found on eplva.org
Essex County, Virginia website
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals in Essex County, closest to the center of Tappahannock first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Free grocery market
Meadowbridge Community Market
Madrva
38 miles from the center of Tappahannock3613 Meadowbridge Rd, Richmond, VA 23222
Hours
- Sat10 AM to 4 PM. Appointment required
Who can come: All people
What to bring: Make an appointment in advance. No identification, proof of income, or proof of address is required.
Languages: Spanish
Listed on madrva.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
RVA Community Fridge at MADRVA Free Store
RVA Community Fridges
38 miles from the center of Tappahannock3613 Meadowbridge Rd, Richmond, VA 23222
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
FREE FOOD 24/7
Who can come: Anyone
Listed on rvacommunityfridges.com, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
RVA Community Fridge at 6PIC
RVA Community Fridges
38 miles from the center of Tappahannock3001 Meadowbridge Rd, Richmond, VA 23222
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
FREE FOOD 24/7
Who can come: Anyone
Listed on rvacommunityfridges.com, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
St. Thomas' Food & Wellness Pantry
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church
39 miles from the center of Tappahannock3602 Hawthorne Ave, Richmond, VA 23222
Hours
- Thu2 PM to 5 PM
Who can come: Neighbors in need
What to bring: A Feed More card and valid ID are requested but are not required. A card can be provided at registration.
Listed on stthomasrichmond.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Ginter Park United Methodist Church Food Pantry
Ginter Park United Methodist Church
39 miles from the center of Tappahannock1010 W Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23227
Hours
- Wed8:30 AM to 11 AM
Listed on ginterparkumc.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
RVA Community Fridge at Oakwood Arts
RVA Community Fridges
39 miles from the center of Tappahannock3511 P St, Richmond, VA 23223
Hours
Hours not listed. Call first.
FREE FOOD 24/7
Who can come: Anyone
Listed on rvacommunityfridges.com, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Essex 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
Feed More
8020 Villa Park Drive, Richmond, VA 23228
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
Legal Services of Northern Virginia, 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
Bay Aging
5306 Old Virginia St, PO Box 610, Urbanna, VA 23175-0610
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Cities and towns in Essex County
Virginia programs by kind of help
These are run by Virginia 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 - 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
- 211 Virginia
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