Food Assistance
Showing 3 verified programs in this category
Estimates only — always confirm exact eligibility on the program's official site. See how we verify our data.
Monthly grocery benefit
Check Official Eligibility ↗SNAP (Food Assistance / Food Stamps)
USDA · Varies by state
Monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card to help pay for groceries. Administered by states, so exact income limits and benefit amounts vary.
- ✓Household gross income generally at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level
- ✓Over 40 states have expanded this limit up to 200% FPL
- ✓Elderly (60+) or disabled household members only need to meet a net income test
- ✓Households already receiving SSI or TANF are often automatically eligible
Max BenefitVaries by household size and state
Income RangeGenerally 130% of the Federal Poverty Level gross income (up to 200% in many states)
How to ApplyApply through your state SNAP agency. Approval and amount depend on your state's specific rules.
Nutrition support for young families
Check Official Eligibility ↗WIC (Women, Infants & Children Nutrition)
USDA · Varies by state
Provides food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new moms, infants, and children up to age 5.
- ✓Must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or a child under 5
- ✓Automatically income-eligible if already enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF
- ✓Requires an in-person nutrition risk assessment at a local WIC clinic
- ✓No U.S. citizenship requirement to receive WIC
Max BenefitMonthly food package (varies by category and state)
Income RangeAt or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $59,478/year for a family of 4)
How to ApplyContact your state or local WIC agency to schedule an in-person appointment.
Free or reduced-price meals at school
Check Official Eligibility ↗Free & Reduced-Price School Meals
USDA (National School Lunch & Breakfast Programs)
Free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch at school for children in eligible households, with some children qualifying automatically.
- ✓Households receiving SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR qualify children automatically ("direct certification")
- ✓Foster, homeless, migrant, and runaway children also qualify automatically
- ✓Otherwise, a household application based on income and family size is required each school year
- ✓Prior-year eligibility carries over for the first 30 days of a new school year
Max BenefitFree or reduced-price meals every school day
Income RangeAt or below 130% FPL for free meals, 130-185% FPL for reduced-price
How to ApplyGet a free application from your child's school, or check for automatic direct certification.