Out Of Food? Help Could Be On The Way

We’ll also offer up a list of ways to find food assistance so you can fulfill your family’s nutritional needs.

President Biden hasn’t been in office for long, but he’s already tackled the huge problem of food insecurity, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Here is a quick recap of moves he’s made in his first few days when it comes to food assistance:

1. Signed an order to increase food stamp funding to states by 15 percent.
2. Requested that the Thrifty Food Plan that determines food stamp eligibility be revamped so that more people can qualify for benefits.
3. Aims to extend the 15 percent increase in food stamp funding for as long as possible.
4. Increases Pandemic-EBT benefits by 15 percent, so kids from low-income homes can eat even though many schools are closed.
5. Hopes for $3 billion in additional funding for the WIC program that helps pregnant women and young children.
6. Asks for $1 billion in additional food assistance for U.S. territories.
7. Vows to include restaurants in the food supply chain so they can remain in business while also employing their workers and feeding their families.

Speaking of food assistance, here’s a list of several programs (with links) from the USDA that could offer the nutritional help your family needs:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

If you haven’t signed up for SNAP yet, now may be the time to do so. As mentioned, Biden is looking to make it easier to qualify for food stamps, while also upping the funding by 15 percent now and into the future.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

With Biden pledging an additional $3 billion in funding for this program, you could be able to buy baby formula and other nutritional necessities for your newborn or young children.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

As if COVID-19 wasn’t scary enough for seniors, some have found it hard to stay fed during these tough times. This program helps increase access to fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown locally, which can help boost immunity and strengthen a senior’s defenses.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

Here’s another assistance program for seniors that offers free, nutritious foods.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

As its name suggests, this program comes in handy when you’re in an emergency and have basically emptied your kitchen.

National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

It looks as if schools will start to open with President Biden in control. This program can give your children lunches that are extremely affordable or even free, so they’re never hungry in class.

School Breakfast Program (SBP)

Many kids skip out on breakfast due to a lack of money at home. The SBP can prevent this and give them the most important meal of the day at no cost.

Special Milk Program (SMP)

Your kids can use milk’s nutrients to grow strong bones, and the SMP can give them that nutritious drink for free.