Learn how to get nutritious food for yourself and your family through SNAP (food stamps), D-SNAP, and WIC for women, infants, and children. Apply for school meals for your kids and supplemental food for seniors. Find out how food programs can provide emergency help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Immediate Food Assistance
If you’re hungry now:
- Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273). Information is available in English and Spanish. The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Contact community or religious organizations to find a local food bank or food pantry.
Food Stamps (SNAP Food Benefits)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition program. Known previously as “food stamps,” SNAP benefits can help you stretch your food budget if you have a low income.
Use the online map to apply for SNAP and to find your state and local offices and phone numbers. You may also apply in person at your state or local office.
Food Stamps and Meal Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be easier for you and your family to get food stamps and take part in meal programs. Contact your state’s social services agency to see if you’re eligible.
During the pandemic:
- Food stamp (SNAP) recipients may receive additional funding. More people may be eligible to receive SNAP during the pandemic than normally.
- Parents whose kids’ schools are closed can pick up school meals for their kids to eat at home.
- People can enroll in food programs remotely rather than in person. This applies to programs for pregnant women, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Read about these and other government meal program changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
WIC Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
This short-term program can help you get healthy food for yourself and your young children.
Contact your state or local WIC agency for an appointment. When you call, someone will tell you where to apply and what to bring with you.
Free School Meals for Children
These programs can help you get healthy meals for your children at their school, childcare center, or after-school program.
Submit an application from the school. You can do this at the beginning of the school year or at any time if circumstances change.
Free Food Programs for Seniors
Two federally-sponsored programs aim to get nutritious foods to seniors with a low income.
To apply for either program:
- Select your state or territory from this nutrition programs contact map.
- From the list of available programs, choose a food program for seniors:
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
If either program is not on the list, you may not live in an area that offers the program.
D-SNAP Helps With Food Costs After a Declared Disaster
If the president authorizes individual disaster assistance for your area, you may qualify for D-SNAP.
Contact your local SNAP office to apply for D-SNAP or find application sites throughout the affected disaster area.