Undoubtedly, the most important nutrition assistance program in the United States is SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamps, can pay up to $1,751 for 8 members in 2024.
WIC is another benefit that some Americans may qualify for. It is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children. Basically, they are federal grants to States for supplemental foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to eligible women with a low income.
SNAP, WIC, and CSFP
SNAP is for low-income families or individuals. WIC is for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or non-breastfeeding with a low income. It also benefits children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
But as you can see, the list goes on with CSFP. CSFP stands for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Its main aim is to enhance the health of elderly people (age 60 at least) with little or no earnings or resources.
CSFP will provide eligible seniors with nutritious USDA foods. This program is also administered at federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service, just like SNAP benefits. For more information, visit USDA’s official website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/commodity-supplemental-food-program.
SNP by ACL, more than SNAP, WIC, and CSFP
The Senior Nutrition Program by the Administration for Community Living gives nutritious meals to seniors aged 60 and older. If you qualify for this program, you can receive healthy meals in places such as senior centers, faith-based locations or even at home.
SNP also offers counseling, assessment, and education about nutrition. This program is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. USDA also offers other programs like CACFP.
CACFP is the Child and Adult Care Food Program which provides reimbursements for nutritious snacks and meals. Recipients can get them if they are enrolled for care at day care homes, child care centers among others.
The other options are:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)