Food Programs & Food Benefits

SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

• To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, including resource and income limits..
• Learn more here and to check eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

Already a SNAP recipient? Fresh EBT is a free smart phone app available to check your SNAP balance and purchase history.  Fresh EBT also includes a COVID response help center with information about changes to government benefits programs and connections to local organizations and resources.  Learn more or download Fresh EBT at www.freshebt.com. 

WIC is a federal financial assistance program offered through state governments to assist low-income households in purchasing essential food and supplies for pregnant women, infants, and young children. WIC benefits can be used to purchase infant food and formula as well as nutritional foods like eggs, milk, cereal, peanut butter, fruits, and vegetables. Households enrolled in WIC can access health screenings, breastfeeding counseling, and immunization referrals. Find your state agency for information on applying here.  There is no immigration status restriction or requirement for WIC in most states. 

Kids from qualified, low-income households can get healthy meals or milk. There are two national programs that provide free or reduced-price meals at school. Both programs require you to apply through your child's school or school district:  

• The National School Lunch Program  

• The School Breakfast Program  

You can find more information about these programs and others available in your state by going to your state's agency website.

Other Child Nutrition Programs provide free healthy meals and snacks to kids while they're out of school. If your child is out of school, you can call 211 to see where there are meal sites in your area. 

More than 5.3 million seniors in the United States are food insecure. Most states offer two federally-sponsored programs to help seniors access affordable, nutritious food.

• Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: Provides coupons for fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs. Use them at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community farms.  

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program: Provides a monthly package of healthy food 

There may be additional resources available in your local community. Contact 211 to find a food pantry, free food delivery, or food cost assistance program near you.

Feeding and taking care of all members of our families can be financially stressful:

• 17% of pet parents, regardless of income, have shared their human food with their animals to ensure they have a meal. 
• 12% said they’d visited a food pantry for pet supplies. 
• 59% reported that they’d prioritize their pets’ medical expenses over their own. 

Pet Help Finder

• The Pet Help Finder locator enables all to find financially friendly veterinary care, pet food and supplies, temporary pet housing, grooming, and behavior and other resources such as transportation help—to support the pet family. The locator brings together private practices, non-profit organizations, funders, veterinary center chains, voucher programs and others under one supportive platform.  Pet Help Finder lists many non-profit organizations that offer free services as well.

  Contact 211 to find a pet food pantry or discounted veterinary services near you.