I Am Empowered - I am the National Urban League

USDA Food and Nutrition Service

February 2011
 

How To Get Food Help

Click here to download the full listings of programs and services provided by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service or visit their website. If this information could help someone else, please pass it on.

National Hunger Hotline

If you need food help today, call 1-866-348-6479 (1-866-3-HUNGRY)

The hotline staff can:

1. help you find food near your home
2. answer your questions about Food and Nutrition Service (FNS); and
3. tell you how to apply

SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)  

This was called the Food Stamp Program before. SNAP is the national program name. It provides you with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that allows you to buy food at the grocery store.

1. SNAP is for people and families with low incomes.
2. Anyone can apply.
3. If you qualify, you will receive SNAP.

To Learn More About SNAP and Get An Application:

Call 1-800-221-5689, or visit www.fns.usda.gov/snap.
 

TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)

TEFAP gives food to food banks in every State, then the food banks give food to soup kitchens and food pantries. You may be able to eat at local soup kitchens, take food home from local pantries or have food delivered to you.

Who Can Apply for TEFAP?

1. Each State has its own rules about who can get food.
2. Not all areas in each State offer TEFAP.
3. Call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479 to find soup kitchens and pantries in your area.
4. Call the soup kitchen or food pantry in your area to apply.

To Learn More About TEFAP:

Call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479, or visit www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/tefap.

Disaster Relief

This program helps people get food when there is a hurricane, earthquake, or other disaster. You may be able to get meals at local shelters and soup kitchens. In addition, you may be able to get food to use at home or receive a Disaster SNAP card to shop for food. If you live in an area affected by a disaster, you may still be able to get this help.

To Learn More About Disaster Relief

Call 1-866-348-6479 to find your State hotline to see if your area is giving this help or visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm.

FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)

Who Can Apply for FDPIR?

1. People with low incomes living on Indian reservations can apply.
2. In some areas, Native Americans who live near reservations may also apply.
3. If you receive FDPIR, you cannot receive SNAP.

To Learn More About FDPIR

For more information on other available programs and services from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service click here to download the full listings or visit http://www.fns.usda.gov.

Join a community that is well informed on health and quality of life issues and working together to Empower ALL Americans to achieve in the areas of Jobs, Education, Housing and Health!