Millions of Americans struggle to afford enough food. If your income doesn’t cover groceries every month, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Several federal and community programs exist specifically to help with food costs, and many people who qualify never apply simply because they don’t know the programs exist.
Here’s what’s available and how to access it.
SNAP: The Largest Food Assistance Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – formerly known as food stamps – is the biggest food assistance program in the U.S. It provides monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card that you can use like a debit card at most grocery stores and many farmers markets.
SNAP is open to low-income individuals and families who meet income and resource limits. The income limit is generally 130% of the federal poverty level (about $1,580/month for a single person in 2026), though many states allow higher limits for households with elderly or disabled members.
Benefits vary by household size and income. The average benefit for a single person is around $200 per month. To apply, contact your state’s SNAP office or visit benefits.gov to find your state’s application portal.
Food Banks and Food Pantries
If you need food right now and can’t wait for a program to process your application, a local food bank or pantry can help immediately – usually with no paperwork required.
Food banks distribute free groceries including shelf-stable items, fresh produce, dairy, and sometimes meat. Most pantries serve anyone in their community who asks. Some require only a name or zip code. You can find a food bank near you at feedingamerica.org or by calling 211.
Feeding America’s network includes over 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs nationwide. Demand has increased significantly in recent years, but most communities still have resources available.
WIC: Help for Families with Young Children
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) helps low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. WIC provides vouchers or an EBT card you can use to purchase specific nutritious foods – things like milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, and infant formula.
WIC also provides nutrition counseling and referrals to healthcare and social services. Income limits are set at 185% of the federal poverty level. To apply, contact your local WIC office through your state health department or wic.fns.usda.gov.
Senior Nutrition Programs
Several programs are designed specifically for adults 60 and older who have difficulty affording or preparing food:
- Meals on Wheels – Delivers prepared meals to homebound seniors. Funded through the Older Americans Act. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to apply.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) – Provides monthly boxes of nutritious USDA foods to low-income seniors 60+. Available through local food banks in participating states.
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) – Provides coupons for seniors to buy fresh produce at farmers markets. Contact your state’s agriculture department to check availability.
- SNAP for Seniors – Many seniors who qualify for SNAP are not enrolled. If you’re 60+ and have limited income and savings, you likely qualify. SNAP benefits can also be used for home-delivered grocery orders through Amazon and Walmart.
School Meal Programs
If you have school-age children, the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program provide free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Eligibility is based on household income. Apply through your child’s school at the beginning of each school year.
During summer months, the Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to children under 18 at community sites including schools, parks, and libraries.
How to Find Programs You Qualify For
Between SNAP, food banks, WIC, and senior nutrition programs, there are multiple ways to get help. The challenge is knowing which ones apply to your situation. A benefits screener can help you identify what you may qualify for based on your age, household size, and income.
Not sure which programs you qualify for?
Use the Benefits Finder tool to check food assistance, utility help, healthcare, and more in one place.
Money Instructor does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. This material has been prepared for educational and informational purposes only. Program eligibility rules and benefit amounts change. Verify current requirements with the administering agency before applying.