Find Help & Food Assistance
Looking for free food near you? You can use our Find My Food Bank button above to find your local food bank. Simply search by your zip code or county. Many of our food banks offer convenient resources like benefits assistance, mobile distributions, home deliveries and nutrition classes.
For help beyond food resources, you may qualify for the following assistance programs.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, gives qualifying individuals or families monthly food benefits, which are put on Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, also known as a Lone Star Card. With this card, you can buy most food products and even purchase seeds to grow your own food.
To qualify for SNAP, you must meet certain guidelines such as income and resource limits.
You can apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com or by calling 2-1-1.
How To Use SNAP Benefits
To use your benefits, just swipe your Lone Star Card like a debit card at any grocery store, convenience store, farmers market, or online retailer than accepts SNAP – like H-E-B, Walmart, Amazon, and ALDI. SNAP is our nation’s most effective tool in the fight against hunger. The program gives participants reliable assistance to purchase the food they need.
SNAP Requirements
SNAP has requirements for most adults aged 16 to 59 to work or participate in a work program to potentially qualify for benefits. There are exemptions from work requirements for specific populations, such as veterans, those experiencing homelessness, and former foster care youth under 25. To receive SNAP, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. To learn more about qualification requirements, visit Texas Health and Human Services’ SNAP Benefits page.
Help Applying
You can also receive application assistance from a Community Partner like your local food bank. Our Find My Food Bank Tool includes direct links to Benefits Assistance pages from your local food bank. Food banks can connect you with staff who can help you apply for SNAP.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly referred to as WIC, helps expecting parents get the food and resources they need to give their baby a healthy start. With WIC, you will receive benefits on a WIC card that can be used to buy healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, proteins, and baby foods like formula. Those enrolled in WIC can also get one-on-one counseling with nutritionists, nutrition classes and breastfeeding support.
To qualify for WIC, you must meet specific monthly income limits. You can view those income limits here. If you or your children already participate in Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you have met the income eligibility requirements. Any additional benefits assistance you participate in will not impact the amount of WIC benefits you can receive.
To apply, you can start the process online or call (800) 942-3678 anytime from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. To learn more about eligibility, what you’ll need to apply, and what to expect at your first WIC appointment, visit texaswic.org/apply.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CFSP) serves seniors by providing healthy foods in a monthly food box. Each box is designed to support overall health. By providing key nutrients that are typically missing in participants’ diets, these boxes are crafted to promote the overall well-being of seniors.
To qualify for CSFP, you must be 60 years or older and be at or below specific monthly income limits, which you can view here.
To apply, please contact your local food bank as you must apply for this program in-person. You can find yours with our Find My Food Bank Map.
Get Involved
Learn more about how you can get involved in ending hunger in Texas.
