Tag: Nutrition assistance

According to USDA data, soft drinks are the most commonly purchased item by both SNAP and non-SNAP households. This fact provides an interesting starting point for exploring what is most SNAP money spent on.

According to a 2024 study, the Food Is Medicine Initiative has shown a positive impact on both food insecurity and diet-related chronic illnesses among participants. This innovative approach is transforming healthcare in the United States by recognizing the critical link between diet and health, and actively prescribing nutritious food as a form of preventive and therapeutic care.

According to the USDA, WIC provides supplemental foods for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, but the program has specific regulations on which items can be purchased. This often leads to the common question: can I buy water with WIC? The general answer is no, but it’s crucial to understand the exceptions and alternative options available for ensuring access to safe drinking water.

With a budget exceeding $200 billion in recent years, the USDA plays a pivotal role in the American economy and food supply. Its vast portfolio encompasses a wide range of initiatives that affect millions of Americans, from assisting farmers with financial aid to ensuring low-income families have access to nutritious food.

According to the USDA, approximately 68% of the world's population has some form of lactose malabsorption. For those with a lactose intolerance, knowing if WIC approves Lactaid or other lactose-free milks is crucial for getting the right nutrition. Fortunately, WIC does provide lactose-free milk, but there are specific rules and exceptions that recipients need to understand.

In 2023, approximately one in seven households in America, or 13.5%, experienced food insecurity, a primary driver of undernutrition. This critical issue goes beyond simply not having enough food; it encompasses a lack of consistent access to an affordable and nutritious diet, which has far-reaching health and social consequences across the country.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), canned fruits and vegetables are among the eligible food choices under the WIC program, providing participants with affordable and shelf-stable options. However, the specific rules regarding canned tomatoes, including allowed varieties and ingredient restrictions, differ based on your state's WIC program.

As of October 2025, approximately 42 million Americans rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to afford groceries. While the program offers broad purchasing power for household food items, recent state-level waivers and long-standing federal rules determine what you can and cannot buy with food stamps, with significant new restrictions on certain processed foods taking effect in 2026. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the changing and enduring limitations of SNAP benefits.

Over 8 million participants are enrolled in the WIC program, which provides federal grants for supplemental foods to low-income women, infants, and children. A common question among these shoppers is: can I buy canned green beans with WIC? The answer depends on your state's specific food list, but generally, canned green beans are an approved vegetable when purchased with your Cash Value Benefit (CVB).

According to the World Health Organization, micronutrient deficiencies are a significant public health problem affecting billions worldwide. While store-bought supplements can be expensive, it is possible to get vitamins for free through a combination of strategic food choices and various assistance programs tailored to different needs.