Understand your
food assistance options.
Explore SNAP, WIC, school meals and community food programs. Learn which one fits your household and where each one starts.
Program directory
Food programs, at a glance
SNAP is for the whole household; WIC and school meals are for specific family members.
- 01
SNAP
Food stamps
- Support
- Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card
- Start here
- Your state SNAP office
- 02
WIC
Women, Infants and Children
- Support
- Healthy foods and nutrition support
- Start here
- Your local WIC clinic
- 03
School meals
National School Lunch Program
- Support
- Free or low-cost school meals
- Start here
- Your school district
- 04
Summer EBT
SUN Bucks
- Support
- Summer grocery benefits for school-age children
- Start here
- Your state agency
- 05
CSFP
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
- Support
- Monthly food packages for adults 60+
- Start here
- Your state agency
- 06
TEFAP
Emergency food
- Support
- Food through local pantries
- Start here
- Your local food bank
- 07
- Support
- Fresh produce for older adults
- Start here
- Your state agency
- 08
Meals for older adults
Community and home-delivered meals
- Support
- Group meals and meal delivery
- Start here
- Your local aging agency
SNAP and WIC follow federal rules, but your state runs the office, the card and the interview.
Practical next steps
From application to groceries on your card
- 1Start with SNAPIt is the largest food program, and a SNAP case can open doors to school meals.
- 2Add WIC if you have young childrenPregnant women, new mothers and children under 5 can use WIC alongside SNAP.
- 3Ask your school about mealsChildren in SNAP households are usually enrolled for free school meals automatically.
- 4Find your local food bankPantries can help right away while an application is processed.
- 5Keep your case currentReport changes and renew on time so benefits do not stop.
Get the facts
What people get wrong about SNAP, WIC and school meals
- AssumptionIf I have a job, I cannot get SNAP.What to checkMany SNAP households have earnings. Check the income rules for your household size.
- AssumptionWIC and SNAP cannot be used together.What to checkFamilies can take part in both. Apply for each one separately.
- AssumptionFood banks need lots of paperwork.What to checkRules vary by pantry. Call ahead and ask what, if anything, to bring.
Common pitfalls
Small slips that delay food benefits
- Missed interviewsSNAP usually requires an interview. Answer calls from the agency.
- Late renewalsPut your renewal date on a calendar so benefits do not lapse.
- Unreported changesTell the agency about income or household changes on time.
Frequently asked questions
Food questions, answered.
For most households, SNAP is the place to start. Apply through your state's SNAP office. If you are pregnant or have children under 5, apply for WIC as well, and contact a local food bank if you need food right away.
Yes. Many SNAP households have earnings. Eligibility depends on your household size, income and certain expenses, and your state agency makes the decision.
Yes. WIC and SNAP are separate programs, and a family can take part in both if it meets each program's rules.
Children in SNAP households are usually certified for free school meals automatically. If your school has not contacted you, ask the school district's meal office.
Adults 60 and older may qualify for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and community or home-delivered meals. The Eldercare Locator can point you to your local aging agency.
Official sources
USDA food program pages
Independent guide
GrantsHubUSA explains programs and links to official resources. We do not run these programs or process applications.
Read our editorial policyEligibility wizard
Answer a few questions and see which programs are worth a closer look. Only the agency decides eligibility.