SNAP benefit cuts will take effect Nov. 1, but there are other nutrition programs available to families that might need help.
FEDERAL AND D.C. PROGRAMS (provided by D.C. Hunger Solutions):
- School meals: All D.C. public schools and public charter schools offer free breakfast and lunch for children whose families participate in SNAP. Contact your school to make sure your child is receiving free meals or contact the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. (202) 727-6436; click here for website.
- After-school meals: If you have a child participating in an after-school program, that program may participate in or be eligible for the federal after-school meal program. For instance, some Department of Parks and Recreation centers serve after-school meals. Check with your child's program to find out if they serve free meals or contact the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. (202) 727-6436; click here for website.
- WIC: WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a supplemental food program available for eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and children up to age 5. If you need help applying for this program, contact WIC: (202) 442-9397 or 800-345-1WIC (1942); click here for website.
For seniors:
- The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides eligible seniors with a monthly food package.
- The Congregate Meals Program serves lunchtime group meals to older D.C. residents at sites across the city.
- The Home-Delivered Meals Program delivers meals to seniors who cannot shop or prepare meals on their own.
- For more information on these nutrition programs for seniors, call the D.C. Office on Aging: (202) 724-5622; click here for the D.C. Office on Aging website.
For those who need food right away:
- Contact the Hunger Lifeline at the Capital Area Food Bank at 202-644-9807 or visit their website at www.capitalareafoodbank.org.
- The D.C. Food Finder can also help you find free and low-cost meals and groceries, farmers markets, and other food and nutrition resources in D.C. Visit the D.C. Food Finder online at www.dcfoodfinder.org.
VIRGINIA PROGRAMS (provided by the Virginia Poverty Law Center):
- Virginia 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember phone number connecting people with free information about available community services. When you dial 211, a trained professional listens to your situation and suggests sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in Virginia. Click here for website.
- Federation of Virginia Food Banks: If you are in need of assistance, get connected with your local food bank, and they will provide you with information on local resources. Click here for website.
- School meals: You may apply any time during the school year. For more information, ask the food service director at your child’s school.
- WIC: WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children, and it's here to help pregnant women, mothers, infants and young children stay healthy and eat right during times of important growth. Click here to learn more about WIC.
MARYLAND PROGRAMS (provided by Maryland Hunger Solutions):
- School meals: Click here for a list of schools and after-school programs that provide a snack or supper. For more data on food provided in after-school programs, click here.
- Click here for an interactive map of farmers' markets in Maryland.
- Click here to Locate food pantries and other programs.
- WIC: WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children -- and it's here to help pregnant women, mothers, infants and young children stay healthy and eat right during times of important growth. Click here to learn more about WIC.
