Sometimes churches have free dinners. I haven't had too much religious pressure there.
I dumpster dive, meaning I take food out of dumpsters and the trash near stores that sell food, like groceries. I don't really recommend it, but I have been so desperate I've done it and still do it if I want to eat. I was ashamed and embarrassed at first, but I was so hungry. Now I just realize I did what I had to do.
If someone is going to go the trash or dumpster route, go for canned or sealed (like bagged) food. I will eat produce if it has been at least somewhat bagged, after washing it like crazy. I will not touch meat - cooked or raw - that anyone has thrown out because of the very real risk of food poisoning. I will eat canned meat in the rare times I can find it. Dairy is another issue, but usually you can tell when a dairy product has spoiled. I generally don't have problems with cheese or butter. Temperature is another issue - in the summer food spoils much quicker than in freezing temperatures. Expired food - depending on how long it has been expired - is usually OK. I have only had one issue in the 15+ years that I've eaten something expired, and believe me, I do it all the time. No matter what, I would not pull food out of a dumpster at a restaurant simply because I have no idea how long it sat out. Food poisoning is a real thing and you don't want it. I've had it quite seriously three times now and the last time did some real damage to my intestines that I don't think has ever been repaired. I believe I came close to dying from dehydration one time I had it because I was so sick I could not hold down plain water. Food poisoning is much worse than hunger, trust me please. If you can avoid the dumpster route, I would.