If not eligible for food stamps: what food assistance programs are available to US residents

Specialized Supplemental Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) or Seniors (CSFP) are federally funded health programs. They may be an option for those who are not eligible for SNAP, reports GoBankingRates.

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The WIC program does not provide a discretionary amount for food purchases. Through the WIC program, you can get nutrition information, breastfeeding support and referral, and nutritious foods for your specific stage of motherhood. This may include pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a woman's postpartum responsibility for an infant.

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WIC products are predetermined, which means they are selected based on nutritional value and USDA standards. WIC recipients are issued a special WIC card, which is then used in the same way as a debit or credit card to purchase items on that list only.

The WIC EBT card is an electronic system that replaces paper vouchers with a card for issuing and redeeming food benefits at WIC authorized grocery stores. This means that although WIC cards are similar to EBT cards, you cannot use them everywhere. EBT cards can be used wherever debit or credit cards are accepted as a means of payment. WIC EBT cards, however, are not allowed.

Eligibility Requirements for the WIC Program

To participate in the WIC program, you will need to apply in the state in which you currently live, but you will need to fall into one of the following categories:

• Pregnancy.
• Breast-feeding.
• Postpartum period.
• There is a child under the age of five.

How to Apply for the WIC Program

The WIC program is administered by the individual states. Each state has its own application process, and some states even offer online applications. Other states require that you apply in person or by regular mail.
To apply for the WIC program, find your program's contact information or website at WIC Handbook.

The Supplemental Food Program for Seniors (CSFP) can help them get food, reports GoBankingRates.

The American Rescue Plan has provided an additional $37 million to expand the program for senior citizens who may need extra help with groceries and meals each month.

The Supplemental Food Program provides low-income seniors with additional nutritious foods from the USDA each month. Monthly food packs do not include ready meals, but rather complementary foods that are "good sources of nutrients that are usually deficient in the diet."

The CSFP provides a variety of food items such as cereals, oatmeal, corn grits, beans, peanut butter, canned chicken, beef and tuna, as well as low sodium canned vegetables such as corn and peas.

Detailed information about all products available under the program can be found at website USDA Food and Nutrition Services.

To be eligible for the program, a person must be over 60 years of age and have a household income of 130% or below the Federal Income Guidelines for the Poor published by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Below are income guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Income limits for Alaska and Hawaii are set and published annually by the Department of Health and Human Services.

• For a family of 1 with a federal poverty rate of 100% annually, the amount is $12, with a CSFP anti-poverty recommendation for seniors of 880%, the amount is $130 annually, $16 monthly, and $744 weekly.
• For a family of 2 with a federal poverty rate of 100% annually, the amount is $17, with a CSFP anti-poverty recommendation for seniors of 420%, the amount is $130 annually, $22 monthly, and $646 weekly.
• For a family of 3 with a federal poverty rate of 100% annually, the amount is $21, with a CSFP anti-poverty recommendation for seniors of 960%, the amount is $130 annually, $28 monthly, and $548 weekly.
• For a family of 4, the federal poverty rate of 100% annually is $26500, and the CSFP Senior Poverty Recommendation of 130% is $34 annually, $450 monthly, and $2871 weekly.
• For a family of 5, the federal poverty rate of 100% annually is $31, and the CSFP Senior Poverty Guideline of 040% is $130 annually, $40 monthly, and $352 weekly.
• For a family of 6, the federal poverty rate of 100% annually is $35, and the CSFP Senior Poverty Guideline of 580% is $130 annually, $46 monthly, and $254 weekly.
• For a family of 7, the federal poverty rate of 100% annually is $21, and the CSFP Senior Poverty Guideline of 960% is $130 annually, $52 monthly, and $156 weekly.
• For a family of 8 with a federal poverty rate of 100% annually, the amount is $44, with a CSFP anti-poverty recommendation for seniors of 660%, the amount is $130 annually, $58 monthly, and $058 weekly.
• For each additional family member must be added at federal poverty rate - 100% annually is $4540, with CSFP anti-poverty recommendation for seniors - 130% amount is $5902 annually, monthly $492, weekly $114.

Each state has its own eligibility rules and general rights. States can also set local residence requirements based on designated service areas, but cannot require a minimum residence period. Whatever your pre-tax income is, that's what counts towards the total income cap.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York.

To apply, you need to contact your state's distribution agency, which you can find here.

This program is in addition to payments under the Supplemental Food Assistance Program. This means you can get SNAP benefits and still get CSFP food packages.

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