SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — is the country’s largest food assistance program, but it is not the only one. Several other federal, state, and local programs help people put food on the table, and some of them serve populations that SNAP does not fully reach: seniors on fixed incomes, families with young children, and households that fall just above SNAP’s income limits.
WIC: For Pregnant Women, New Mothers, and Young Children
WIC — the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — provides food benefits to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under age 5 who meet income guidelines. WIC covers specific foods with high nutritional value: milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, beans, and infant formula.
WIC also includes nutrition counseling and referrals to other services. Income limits are higher than SNAP — households earning up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level can qualify. To apply, contact your local WIC office or visit your state’s WIC program website.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with coupons or vouchers they can use to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey at farmers markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
Eligibility is typically limited to adults 60 and older with income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The program runs seasonally and varies by state. Contact your state’s department of agriculture or aging services to find out if it is available in your area and how to apply.
Local Food Banks and Pantries
Food banks and pantries distribute groceries at no cost to anyone who needs them. Most do not have income requirements or ask for proof of need — you simply come and receive food. Distribution is typically done through local pantries, churches, community centers, and mobile food programs.
To find a pantry near you, visit feedingamerica.org and use the food bank locator. The Feeding America network alone serves more than 40 million people annually through a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs nationwide.
Commodity Foods Through TEFAP
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) distributes USDA commodity foods — canned goods, dairy, meat, grains — through food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens. These foods are available at no cost to low-income households.
TEFAP foods are distributed through the same food bank network as most emergency food assistance. If you access a local food pantry, you are likely already receiving TEFAP foods without knowing it by name.
Meals on Wheels and Senior Meal Programs
Seniors who have difficulty cooking or leaving the house may qualify for home-delivered meals. Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious meals directly to homebound seniors across the country. Many Area Agencies on Aging also operate congregate meal programs where seniors can receive a meal and social connection at a community site.
Learn more about how Meals on Wheels works and how to apply on our Meals on Wheels program page.
School Meal Programs for Households With Children
Children from low-income households can receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Eligibility is based on household income — families at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level receive free meals; those between 130 and 185 percent receive meals at a reduced price of 40 cents or less.
Apply through your child’s school at the start of each school year. Applications are confidential.
Finding What Is Available Near You
The range of food assistance programs varies by location. A good way to find what is available in your area is to call 211 — a free, confidential helpline that connects people to local health and human services, including food assistance. You can also use our Benefits Finder tool to check what programs you may qualify for based on your situation.
Money Instructor does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. This material has been prepared for educational and informational purposes only. You should consult your own advisors regarding your own financial situation.