Government food programs administered by the Department of Agriculture

Within the federal government, there are several programs that handle the distribution of free food, staples, and groceries . Normally, these programs tend to focus on families with children or older people. 

Some of them transfer funds or deliver food to soup kitchens, community pantries and other non-profit organizations that are responsible for providing a plate of hot food to those who need it. This list of recipients could also include shelters for the homeless or for victims of domestic violence or family abuse . 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

This is the main food assistance program in the country and is funded by the federal government . In fact, there are millions of people who are currently benefiting from this program. However, there are hundreds of thousands of other households that qualify for an EBT card but have never applied for one. This program used to be known previously as Food Stamps or Food Stamps . 

Typically, to qualify for SNAP a family must meet certain eligibility criteria , such as falling below the program's income chart. But let's look at some of these requirements in detail:

• Applicants must be healthy and between 18 and 60 years of age. 
• To participate, you must have a Social Security number , be a US citizen, Native American born in Canada or Mexico, or have qualified alien status. 
• Applicants must meet the income requirement and not have many assets or resources in their name. 

To learn more about the food stamp program, be sure to visit our guide “ Food Stamps in New York: Everything You Need to Know ”. We also have other articles with detailed information about the program in each state. 

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

The WIC program is an assistance program also run by the federal government that provides cash assistance to low-income families, especially mothers with infants and toddlers, and pregnant women . Through this program, women and children who need it will be able to supplement their diet with nutritious foods and products. 

Additionally, WIC provides nutrition education and information so families can live healthier lives . This includes information and referrals to health services, community clinics, and other federal or local government assistance programs. 

The WIC program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture and is supported by local and community authorities and offices. Eligibility for any type of WIC food assistance is based primarily on applicants' income and risk or nutritional status. You can get more information about the program by clicking here . 

Keep reading: Differences between WIC and SNAP

Nutrition Services and Incentives Program (NSIP)

This food assistance program used to be known as the Nutrition Program for the Elderly, or NPE . The benefit was created to respond to a public health and social assistance policy that seeks to help the elderly and citizens who are entering old age. This ensures that they get much-needed support. 

The NSIP program is managed by the Department of Health and Human Services and state agencies on aging. The program itself is made up of a series of state and community grants , and includes resources, visits and home care services for those who need it most; as well as support and relevant information. 

Primarily, the NSIP program provides qualifying Americans with free nutritious food, groceries, and hot meals . Additionally, they have community help centers where older people can access well-balanced meals, at least once a day. This can include a free lunch or dinner for up to five days a week. 

When possible, the program also provides transportation to and from required sites , such as a doctor's office, for example. Last but not least, they have a home delivery service - Meals on Wheels - for senior citizens and disabled citizens who cannot leave their home to visit a center.

Assistance program with school breakfasts and lunches

This program provides free or low-cost meals and meals to school-age children and techildren from families with moderate incomes can apply for free school meals . As you can see, this benefit is not only reserved for children living in poverty, but is aimed at all students enrolled in the school.

If you need information on how to access the school meal program during the pandemic , be sure to see our guide “ How to apply for the P-EBT card (Pandemic EBT Program) ”.ens . Meals are served in schools and are funded by the federal government. Even

Child and Adult Care Food Program

The Child and Adult Care Food Program provides snacks, meals, and food for children and infants, at least, for the most part . The distribution of food is carried out by certain local and family care centers, in addition to some medical care. On occasion, the program supports adults and the elderly who live in pensions, nurseries or nursing homes. 

Farmers Market Nutrition Program for Seniors

This program provides coupons for groceries and food during the harvest season . The program is aimed at helping low-income seniors. The age to qualify is from 60 years. Coupons can be redeemed for food, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and others; and the redemption places are the local farmers' markets. The federal government will be the one to transfer the cost of these products to the farmers. 

Vouchers can also be used to purchase at community-supported agricultural programs , as well as roadside food stands.

Keep reading: Supermarket23: Complete guide to send food to Cuba

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

This is a food assistance program managed and funded by the federal government. In itself, it is very similar to WIC. The main difference with WIC is that, in addition to helping women and children, it also offers assistance for people over the age of 60 . Here you can find infant formula, nutritional and vitamin- and mineral-enriched beverages, health insurance for seniors, and other resources. Most of the food delivered is included in the USDA basic basket and serves to improve the health and nutrition status of the beneficiaries. 

Feeding America BackPack

Through Feeding America BackPack students can receive free food, snacks, meals and other products. FABP is a program that operates at the national level, like all those on the list. Delivered items are provided at no cost to the student and regardless of income level . One of the most outstanding factors of the program is its confidentiality.

Feeding America BackPack agents give each beneficiary student a backpack filled with groceries, healthy snacks and other food so they can maintain a balanced diet over the weekend or holiday season . The student's family may also receive the items. 

Note: For more information about Feeding America BackPack, call 800-771-2303.

WhyHunger National Hunger Hotline

Anyone struggling with personal or financial problems can get a referral to food pantries run by charities and other local associations . Normally, the management is carried out by associations and charitable or non-profit institutions that have a special connection with the federal and state government. 

Anyone who calls the hotline can get information on where to apply for SNAP food stamps , free school lunches, and many other government programs. They could even be referred by the same agents. 

Among the organizations that work in this program we find The Clearinghouse and other associations committed to eradicating hunger in the world. 

Phone number: 866-348-6479 (English) and 877-842-6273 (other language).

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

With The Emergency Food Assistance Program, each state will receive surplus food from the federal government. The states in turn work with food banks and pantries, churches, soup kitchens, charities and non-profit organizations that make life in the locality so that they can distribute these foods to those most in need . 

All TEFAP support is completely free and all you need to do is call to make an appointment and pick up your meal . The program focuses on serving the elderly, children and the disabled. 

Summer Food Service Program

This is a special service that provides free groceries, meals, meals and snacks to children in need during those months when schools are closed , such as summer or winter break. The program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), but its administration is local. The program is run by churches, food pantries and non-profit organizations like the Salvation Army. 

How does the program work? Very simple. When a child cannot get a hot breakfast or lunch at school , she can attend the program and purchase it for free. The Summer Food Service Program operates nationally and operates in every state in the country. 

Tip: If you want more information about these or other government food assistance programs, be sure to contact your county benefits office. They will give you essential information about the web pages, places to apply, eligibility conditions, among others. Among the most frequent places where these benefits are usually requested, we have churches, community clinics, local markets, homes for the elderly and schools. You can visit the following usa.gov link for more information .