SNAP, WIC and other food help

SNAP is the biggest food program, but it isn't the only one. The others fill different gaps, and getting one often makes it easier to get the rest.

WIC

WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) is for pregnant women, women who recently had a baby or are breastfeeding, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday. It gives specific healthy foods each month, such as milk, eggs, fruit, vegetables and infant formula, plus nutrition advice and breastfeeding support.

WIC's income limit is 185% of the poverty level, higher than SNAP's usual limit. If anyone in your household gets SNAP, Medicaid or TANF, you usually meet WIC's income rule automatically. You can get WIC and SNAP at the same time, and many families do.

School meals

Children in households that get SNAP qualify for free school breakfast and lunch. Most schools sign them up automatically using state records, so you may not need to fill out a form. If your child isn't getting free meals, ask the school.

In many states, families with school-age children also get extra grocery money in the summer through a program called SUN Bucks. Ask your state SNAP office whether your state takes part.

Food right now

SNAP can take up to 30 days. If you need food today, a food bank or pantry can help. The USDA National Hunger Hotline, run by Hunger Free America, can point you to one near you at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. You can also text a word like "food" or "SNAP" to 914-342-7744.

If you have almost no money for food, tell the SNAP office when you apply. Lesson 9 explains emergency SNAP, which can arrive within 7 days.

Other bills

When housing and utility costs eat into your grocery money, energy assistance (LIHEAP) can help with heating and cooling bills. Our benefit finder checks SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, energy help and more at once.

Sources: WIC eligibility, USDA; National Hunger Hotline, USDA.