RoxanneSince that can be tough during the coronavirus pandemic, here are some resources you can use to ensure your family stays fed.
Get Emergency Food Assistance
Are there programs out there that can give you money each month to fill your refrigerator? Sure, and we’ll discuss some of them in a minute. But here’s the truth about such programs: It takes time to receive their benefits, making them long-term solutions and not ideal for emergencies. With that being said, here’s what you should do if you need food right this second: Give 211 a call.
What is 211? It’s a number you can call whenever you need help with things like food, housing, healthcare, paying bills, and more. Think of it as a one-stop-shop for financial assistance, as 211’s operators are well-versed in local programs and organizations that can give you the help your family needs.
See What Food Help Your State Offers
Although 211 should be the first call you make when the coronavirus has cleared out your kitchen, your state agency should be number two on your list. Why? Because they know of every food assistance program available to residents in your state, and they can tell you what’s needed to start receiving benefits soon.
The USDA has an easy-to-use tool that can help you find your state agency here.
Long-Term Food Assistance Solutions
Right now, many families are suffering due to the coronavirus pandemic, as it’s created income loss that makes it hard to buy food and pay the bills. While using 211 can get you connected to emergency food assistance in the form of food banks and free meal deliveries, you may want something to provide stability down the line. If so, try these food programs that can offer assistance even once the coronavirus is gone for good:
Food Stamps
How different would your life be if you received funds every month to buy food? It would probably be less stressful, as you wouldn’t have to worry so much about your family’s nutrition. With food stamps (aka SNAP), you can get those funds loaded onto an EBT card. Use it at the grocery store like a credit card, and you can buy food without putting a dent in your bank account.
In response to the coronavirus, the government has made it easier to get SNAP while also increasing the benefits. In short, there’s no better time to apply than now.
WIC
While food stamps are great, WIC is ideal for pregnant women, infants, and children. With WIC, you can purchase necessities like infant food, baby formula, milk, fruits, veggies, and more.
School Food Programs
Are you worried about your children’s nutrition a lot more since the pandemic appeared? If your kitchen is cleaned out due to a lack of funds, the answer is probably yes.
To fix this issue, see if your children qualify for the School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program. Both can help alleviate your worries for at least two meals per day.
Food Assistance for Seniors
If one segment of the population has it particularly tough during the pandemic, it’s seniors. Not only are they at a higher risk for severe complications with COVID-19, but they also have to live on a fixed income.
If you know of a senior needing food assistance, look into the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Both can provide nutrition assistance during these challenging times.
