If COVID-19 Cleaned Out Your Kitchen, Use This To Find Help

Contact 211

If your nutrition situation is so bad that your refrigerator is empty, you’re at the point where emergency food assistance is necessary. To get it without having to do a lot of research, call 211.

Those three digits could be the difference between your family going hungry and being fed. A local 211 operator will tell you places to find food in your area, such as meal delivery programs, hot meal services, and food pantries.

Since you probably need additional assistance beyond food, be sure to tell the 211 operator all of the troubles you’re having. They can also connect you with resources for housing, healthcare, paying your bills, help with utilities, and more.

Get in Touch With Your State Agency

Each state has its own agency that administers food and nutrition programs. By getting in touch with your state’s agency, you can determine the specifics of what’s needed to receive benefits from those programs.

You can use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website to find your state agency within seconds by clicking here.

Find the Right Food Assistance Program for You

While contacting 211 is your best bet for finding emergency food assistance, it’s a good idea to apply for a long-term program to avoid any issues in the future. Here are some of the most popular food programs that may fit your needs:

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

While you may be more familiar with the “food stamps” name, SNAP is the same program. With SNAP, low-income families can get a long list of healthy foods to stock their kitchens. They can purchase these items with funds loaded onto an EBT card that can be swiped at participating stores.

To get food stamps, you’ll need to meet specific income and resource requirements, as the program is meant for those who need it most. You’ll also need to apply in the state where you currently live.

To find out more about SNAP, go here.

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

While SNAP is meant more for standard families, WIC specializes in providing nutritional foods to pregnant women, infants, and young children.

If you qualify for WIC, you can use your benefits to buy things like baby formula, infant food, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and cereal. You may also enjoy added WIC perks like breastfeeding counseling and health screenings.

To learn more about WIC and what it has to offer, click here.

School Breakfast Program

Is your child missing breakfast now that the pandemic has put the squeeze on your budget? If so, the School Breakfast Program can step in and give your child that AM nutrition they need to power through the day.

To see what you need to qualify for this program, click here.

National School Lunch Program

You can breathe easy knowing your kids will have lunch every day, thanks to this USDA program. If eligible, your children can receive free or low-cost lunches that are nutritionally balanced.

You can learn more about the NSLP by going here.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

While you can give your young ones the nutrition they need through the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program, what if you have seniors in your home?

Their nutritional needs are just as important, and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program can ensure they get fed through a monthly package of healthy food.

Learn more about this food program for seniors by going here.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program

Living on a fixed income during the pandemic can be challenging, which is why seniors should apply to this USDA program. With it, seniors can get fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community farms at a deep discount.

To see if you qualify for this food assistance program that can come in handy right now, go here.