Is there food assistance other than SNAP?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, millions of households receive charitable food assistance annually, supplementing the support provided by larger government programs. While the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is well-known, many other federal, state, and local initiatives exist to help individuals and families access nutritious food.

Quick Summary

Beyond SNAP, numerous federal and community-based food assistance programs address food insecurity for specific populations. Key options include WIC for mothers and young children, TEFAP for emergency food, senior nutrition programs, and local food banks.

Key Points

WIC is for Mothers and Young Children: The Women, Infants, and Children program provides specific nutritious foods and education to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under five.
TEFAP Provides Emergency Food: The Emergency Food Assistance Program distributes USDA-purchased food through food banks and pantries to supplement the diets of low-income Americans.
Seniors Have Special Programs: The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers monthly food boxes to low-income seniors, while Meals on Wheels delivers meals to the homebound.
Community Food Banks Offer Broad Support: A vast network of local food banks and pantries, often partnered with federal programs, provides groceries and meals directly to community members.
School Programs Feed Children: The National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs ensure that children receive nutritious meals at school, with summer programs filling the gap during holidays.
Call 211 for Local Resources: For help finding nearby food pantries, senior meal sites, or other social services, the 211 helpline is a valuable, free, and confidential resource.

Federal Programs for Food Assistance

Beyond SNAP, several U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs provide food assistance, often targeting specific groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

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

WIC offers nutritious foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five. WIC provides benefits for specific foods like infant formula, milk, and produce, distinct from SNAP's general grocery benefits. Eligibility is based on income, categorical requirements (like being a pregnant woman or young child), and nutritional risk.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

TEFAP provides emergency food to low-income Americans through local food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens. The USDA purchases food and distributes it to states, which then supply local agencies. Local agencies determine individual eligibility based on state criteria. The program was established in the 1980s.

Child Nutrition Programs

Programs like the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and the Summer Food Service Program provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible children during and outside the school year, combating childhood hunger.

Senior Nutrition Programs

Programs for older adults include the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), providing monthly food packages to seniors over 60, and Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to homebound seniors. Congregate meal programs also offer meals in social settings at senior centers.

Community-Based and Emergency Food Support

Community organizations complement federal programs by distributing food directly to those in need.

Food Banks and Food Pantries

Food banks collect and distribute food to local pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Pantries then provide food directly to households, often based on income and size. These local efforts help address gaps in social support.

Soup Kitchens and Shelters

These provide prepared meals, particularly to those who are homeless or in crisis. Soup kitchens often offer immediate, unconditional relief with no eligibility requirements.

Local and Faith-Based Organizations

Many local groups and churches run food assistance programs, such as food distributions or meal services. Some also combine food aid with vocational training.

Comparison of Food Assistance Programs


Program	Target Population	Type of Assistance	Funding Source	Application Process
SNAP	Low-income individuals and families	Monthly financial benefit via EBT card for eligible groceries	Federal (USDA)	Local or state office, online
WIC	Pregnant/postpartum women, infants, children under 5	Monthly food benefit for specific WIC-approved foods	Federal (USDA)	Local WIC clinic, based on nutritional risk and income
TEFAP	Low-income individuals and families	Emergency food packages (USDA foods)	Federal (USDA)	Local food pantry/soup kitchen (state-dependent)
Meals on Wheels	Homebound seniors (60+)	Home-delivered nutritious meals	Public funding, donations	Local provider, often through Area Agency on Aging
Food Banks/Pantries	Individuals and families in need	Groceries and food packages	Donations, grants, federal programs (TEFAP)	Varies by location, simple registration at local pantry

How to Find and Apply for Other Food Assistance

Finding non-SNAP food assistance can involve contacting local resources or using online tools.

Step 1: Contact a Local Hub. Call 211 for free, confidential information on local resources like food banks or senior centers. Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) are also helpful for seniors.

Step 2: Use Online Locators. Websites like Feeding America and the USDA provide tools to find local food banks and program offices by zip code.

Step 3: Check Eligibility. Requirements vary. WIC considers income and nutritional risk. CSFP is for seniors over 60. Be prepared to provide identification and income information, though emergency services may not require documentation.

Step 4: Consider Financial Aid. Some health plans, like certain Medicaid or Medicare Advantage plans, may offer grocery or meal benefits.

Conclusion

Beyond SNAP, a wide range of federal and community programs addresses food insecurity. Options include WIC for mothers and young children, TEFAP for emergency aid, and specialized programs for seniors like CSFP and Meals on Wheels. Local food banks and pantries also play a vital role. Utilizing resources like 211 and online locators can help individuals find the specific assistance they need.

Food banks often work through partner organizations, such as schools, food pantries, community kitchens, or shelters to provide food alongside other services like housing, employment, or education..

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is possible to receive both WIC and SNAP benefits simultaneously if you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs. Eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF often automatically makes a person income-eligible for WIC, streamlining the application process.

You can find a local food bank or pantry by calling 211, a free and confidential helpline that connects you to local resources. Websites like Feeding America also offer an online locator tool that helps you find nearby food assistance by entering your zip code.

Yes, in addition to SNAP, seniors can access programs such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), Meals on Wheels, the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, and congregate dining programs at senior centers.

CSFP is a federal program that provides monthly food boxes containing staple foods like canned goods, grains, and protein to low-income seniors aged 60 and over. It is designed to supplement their diets.

WIC eligibility requires a person to be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman, an infant, or a child under five. They must also meet income guidelines (at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level) and be deemed at nutritional risk by a health professional.

TEFAP provides a variety of high-quality, nutritious foods purchased by the USDA. These are distributed to states and local agencies, which provide them to individuals through food pantries and soup kitchens.

While Meals on Wheels is primarily for seniors, some local food banks and charitable organizations may offer home-delivered meals or groceries to individuals with disabilities, illnesses, or other circumstances preventing them from accessing food. Services can also vary by specific Medicaid or Medicare plans.