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There are numerous state, federal, and local government food assistance programs. In addition, many local charities and non-profit organizations provide food programs that were created to help meet the nutritional needs of low income, unemployed, and the working poor.
Several food distribution programs give free food, commodities, and groceries to needy households or to organizations that provide meal service to low-income people, including soup kitchens, churches and homeless shelters.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
This is the federal government food assistance program that used to be known as Food Stamps. This is the program that tens of millions of low income individuals across the country turn to for help. There are numerous conditions in order to be qualified for SNAP / food stamps. People who are applying in your household must able-bodied and between the ages of 18 and 60. They need to have or apply for a Social Security number and be either a U.S. national, U.S. citizen, an American Indian born in Canada or Mexico or have status as a qualified alien. An applicant will need to have both a limited income, and also not many assets or resources in their name. There are several other conditions and criteria for the Supplemental Nutrition Food Assistance Program. Read more on SNAP food stamps.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC):
A federal government assistance program that provides nutritious foods and commodities to supplement the diets of low-income pregnant, postpartum and breast-feeding women, children up to five years of age, as well as infants. In addition, the WIC program provides nutrition education, information and referrals to health services, community clinics and other government assistance programs. The WIC program is administered by the Department of Agriculture through state and local government health departments. Eligibility for food aid is based on an applicants total household income and on nutritional risk as determined by a qualified health professional or doctor. Learn more and how to apply for WIC.
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Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP):
This food assistance program use to be called the Nutrition Program for the Elderly (or NPE). The program was created to help older people and senior citizens. The NSIP program is run by the federal department Department of Health and Human Services through the state agencies on aging. NPE is part of the Grants for State and Community Programs on Aging, which also authorizes in-home resources, visitations, and services for frail elderly people, support services, information and other aid for senior center operations.
The nutrition services program provides elderly and senior Americans with nutritious groceries, free food, and meals. In addition, neighborhood centers in your town or county are available for the elderly, and these centers serve well-balanced, cold or hot meals at least once a day, five days a week to seniors and others with a low income. When possible, transportation assistance is also offered to and from the sites for those who need it. Last, but not least, home-delivered meals, usually called “Meals on Wheels,” are provided to elderly and senior citizen people who are homebound.
School Lunch and Breakfast Assistance Program:
Provides food and meals to children at schools. Qualified low-income children will be able to get these meals for free or at a reduced price. Even children who have moderate income may be able to get reasonably priced meals.
Child and Adult Care Food Program:
This is a program that offers snacks, meals, and food to children in family day care homes, eligible day care centers, and other health care centers across the nation. In addition, the program may be able to support adults and elderly people in day care situations.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program:
Offers low-income senior citizens (which includes those individuals who are at least 60 years old) with grocery and food coupons during the harvest season that can be exchanged for eligible food, fruits, vegetables, and more at farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture programs, and even roadside stands.
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Commodity Supplemental Food Programs (CSFP) - This federal government food assistance program is similar to WIC. However, in addition to helping women and children, it will also offer food assistance to seniors and people who are over 60 years of age. It provides USDA commodity foods to improve the health and nutrition of qualified individuals. Read more Commodity Supplemental Food Programs.
Summer Food Service Program:
This is a service that offers free groceries, meals, food and snacks to needy children during the months when school is not in session, such as summer or winter break.
For more information about these or other government food assistance programs contact your local county government, social services, health, community clinic, agriculture, aging office or school. Click here to find agencies and program names at the state level.
Salvation Army:
This non-profit agency has locations in almost all states and counties across the nation. They provide a variety of food assistance, including most branches run a food bank and / or offer a pantry on site. The Salvation Army can both provide free food and groceries on its own, and they also partner with other local food banks, distribution centers, and charity organization. Find a listing of Salvation Army locations by state. Read more.
Churches provide food assistance:
Many churches distribute free food, groceries, and meals to qualified individuals and families. They can run their own food banks and pantries, or fund and partner with other agencies. Read more additional assistance programs offered by churches.
Charities:
There are several national non-profit charities and aid organizations that provide groceries, vegetables, fruits, and free food and nutritional assistance to those who need help. Find more information on the charity food assistance programs.
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Angel Food Ministries:
This is a non-profit charity organization that offers nutritional and food assistance and programs in all 50 states. While they do not provide free food, what they do is offer all people, no matter their income or financial situation, low cost groceries and food. The services they offer provide food at about 50% off the retail price, and it is available in unlimited quantities. Learn more on low cost groceries.
Home Delivered Meals:
Seniors, disabled, and the homebound can contact the Meals on Wheels program for free or low cost home delivered meals or food. Charity organizations across the country offer the program in most towns and cities across the nation. Thousands of volunteers, food pantries and other local businesses donate their time and resources to help ensure the success of the Meals on Wheels program. Seniors and others who can’t make it out of their home, and who need food delivered to them, should contact a non-profit in their area. Read more Meals on Wheels.
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