There are many food assistance programs sponsored by the federal government. Due to COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing states with additional benefits and program flexibilities to help program participants. Non-citizens can avail of these benefits as well. Some programs require documents while others depend on state-specific requirements.
See this brochure to identify which programs you may qualify for. Key programs are also outlined below:
What is SNAP and what does the assistance entail?
Stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Through this program, you are given a voucher that you can use like a debit card to buy food at the grocery store.
Due to COVID-19, most states are easing SNAP participation rules and providing additional benefits.
What are the eligibility requirements and next steps for assistance?
Anyone from a low income household can apply and the amount you receive depends on your income, expenses, and family size.
You must prove legal status if you are an immigrant but getting SNAP will not hurt your chances of earning citizenship.
Though there tends to be a waiting period, documented immigrant children (under 18), refugees, and the elderly and disable may not have to wait.
Even if you cannot get SNAP, your children may be eligible.
Find out if you qualify and what the next steps are for acquiring assistance by clicking here.
What is P-EBT and what does the assistance entail?
This was introduced as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and allows states to provide meal replacement benefits to households with children who attend a school that is closed but would have otherwise provided free or reduced-price meals.
What are the eligibility requirements and next steps for assistance?
The program should be available regardless of immigration status and households do not need to be enrolled in SNAP to be eligible.
As of 4/24/20, following states currently offer P-EBT:
Contact the National Hunger Hotline to find out if your community offers this program.
What is TEFAP and what does the assistance entail?
This program provides food to food banks in every state which in turn support soup kitchens and food pantries.
You also may be able to take food home or have it delivered to you by applying for this program.
What are the eligibility requirements and next steps for assistance?
Each state has its own rules & requirements, so contact the National Hunger Hotline to find out if your community offers this program.
What is WIC and what does the assistance entail?
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Provides a monthly voucher to help you and your children secure healthy food.
What are the eligibility requirements and next steps for assistance?
Consider applying if you’ve recently had a baby, are pregnant, are breastfeeding, or have children up to 5-years-old.
You may qualify for WIC regardless of your immigrant status.
Find out if you qualify and what the next steps are for acquiring assistance by clicking here.
For additional information and to learn about emergency food providers in your community…
CALL the National Hunger Hotline from Monday - Friday (7 AM - 10 PM ET):
1-866-348-6479
1-866-3-HUNGRY (English)
1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
TEXT “97779” to the automated service with a question that may contain a keyword such as “food”, “summer”, “meals”, etc. to receive an automated response to resources located near an address and/or zip code.