As the school year begins, many families face a daunting challenge in providing their children with nutritious food on a tight budget. It’s especially challenging for low-income households. Fortunately, communities, states, and the federal government offer a host of resources to make sure every family can access sufficient and nutritious food. Here’s what every family should know to take advantage of these resources.
1. Food pantries: Local food pantries offer a vital resource for families who need extra help to put food on the table. Pantries vary in the food they provide, so check local listings to find a pantry that caters to your family’s dietary needs. Many pantries require that you make an appointment in advance, while others let you drop in during hours of operation. They’re a great way to get extra fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and nonperishable items that can supplement your grocery shopping.
2. Meal programs: Many towns and cities offer meal programs that provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks to school-age children. Eligibility for these programs varies from place to place, but many are targeted at lower-income families or families whose children receive free or reduced-price meals at school. Meals can be delivered directly to families or offered as grab-and-go meals at designated locations. Since the pandemic outbreak, the federal government has expanded the meal program to cover all school-age children up to 18 years of age.
3. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): SNAP provides families with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which function like debit cards, to purchase groceries at participating stores. Families can apply for SNAP online or by mail, and eligibility is based on income and household size. Benefits amounts vary depending on the family’s circumstances. SNAP has been a crucial resource for low-income households, particularly during the pandemic.
4. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): WIC provides supplemental foods and nutrition education to pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Families must meet income guidelines to qualify. Benefits include healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as formula and baby food for infants. Participants receive WIC checks or electronic vouchers to buy food at participating stores. The program also offers nutrition education through workshops and one-on-one consultations with nutritionists.
5. Community Gardens: Many communities have gardens or farms that grow fresh produce that’s available to the public. Some gardens let individuals or families “adopt” a plot to grow their own produce, while others harvest all of the food and distribute it to the community. Local listings can help you find community gardens in your area. For families that don’t have access to a garden, farmers’ markets can be another great resource for fresh, local, and affordable produce.
Accessing nutritious food is a fundamental right, and no family should have to sacrifice that right because of financial hardship. The resources listed above — food pantries, meal programs, SNAP, WIC, and community gardens — are just a few of the many options available to families who need help. By working together as a community, we can ensure that every child has access to healthy, nutritious food, regardless of their circumstances.
