Guide to Getting Help With Food

Sometimes in this world of rising costs, it’s hard to get food on the table for yourself and your family. That’s okay, there are people who want to help! From government assistance programs to locally run food banks, there are options available for people who just need a little extra oomph to make sure they’re getting proper nutrition. Here’s how to get help with food when you need it.

Government Programs

The first program most encounter with government food assistance is the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. This program is for income-qualified women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have been pregnant within the previous 6 months. It is also for babies and children who are up to 5 years old and whose families are income-qualified… so if you’re a single dad and need help, make sure you apply too! When you apply for WIC, remember to ask about the Farmer’s Market Nutrition program as well, it’s run by the same agency and gets you a booklet to use for local produce. Seniors also qualify for their own version of the Farmer’s Market Nutrition program. Income-qualified people over age 60 can get a booklet that’s good for use at registered farmer’s markets to buy fresh produce for part of the year.

In California, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are administered through the CalFresh Program. As of June 2019, recipients of SSI/SSP benefits may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits as well. If you were denied before then, try again! This program also requires income qualification.

Kids can receive free/reduced-price breakfast and lunch, or free milk, through their schools during the school year. A household must apply yearly to be re-certified for the program, and educational agencies are required by law to furnish applications for the program. The best thing to do is go to the school’s office and ask for an application and where to submit it. There’s also a program where children can get nutritious meals while their schools are on vacation/off track, and provider locations can be found here.