According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 12% of the U.S. population has limited access to nutritious food. Hunger can impact your work performance, mood, overall health, and the rate that children learn and grow. USDA works to increase food security and reduce hunger by providing children and low-income individuals with access to food, health and nutrition information, and education.
Food and Nutrition Programs
In honor of National Hunger Awareness Month in June, Benefits.gov wants to highlight some of the food and nutrition programs available for children, adults, and seniors. While many of these programs have state-specific requirements, the general eligibility guidelines are similar. Check out some of the food and nutrition programs below:
- Child and Adult Care Food Program
This program reimburses child and adult day care centers or group care programs for providing nutritious meals and snacks that contribute to wellness, healthy growth and the development of children or the health and wellness of older adults. - Farmers Market Nutrition Program
This program provides coupons for fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs to eligible individuals. Coupons can be used to buy certain foods at approved farmer’s markets and roadside stands or directly from farmers. - Special Nutrition Program for Women, Children, and Infants
This program provides federal grants to states for health care referrals, supplemental foods, and nutrition information for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five who are nutritionally at-risk. - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The largest food and nutrition program in the United States, the Food and Nutrition Service partners with state agencies, nutrition educators and local organizations, to help eligible families and individuals buy healthy food and educate them on nutritional choices.
Additional Resources
If you need nutritional assistance immediately, contact the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479 or 1-877-842-6273 (in Spanish). Hotline staff can help you find food near your home. We encourage you to take our Benefit Finder questionnaire to help determine your eligibility for over 1,200 benefits. You can also browse our Food and Nutrition category of benefits to find additional resources.