Faith-based and community-based organizations 
Shelters

Faith-based and community-based organizations (FBOs/CBOs) may apply to participate in Federal nutrition programs and provide benefits directly to individuals, or may serve as informational resources by referring these individuals to other organizations and agencies that participate in the programs. 

FBOs/CBOs that provide services to children may be eligible to participate in the following Federal nutrition programs:
 

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

Through the CACFP, nonprofit FBOs/CBOs may provide nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children. Emergency shelters, homeless shelters and temporary residential sites sponsored by a shelter, or nonprofit FBO/CBO, are eligible to participate in the CACFP if the organization provides residential and food services to homeless children and their parents or guardians. Unlike most other CACFP facilities, shelters and sites do not have to be licensed to provide day care. However, shelters and sites must comply with all health and safety codes that are required by state or local law.

FBOs/CBOs apply to the responsible State agency for each state in which they wish to participate. 
 

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

WIC serves low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5, who are at nutrition risk. WIC provides participants with 1) checks or vouchers to purchase specific nutritious foods at authorized food stores; 2) nutrition counseling; and, 3) health care referrals. To be eligible to become a WIC local agency and provide WIC services to participants, an organization must be a government agency, private nonprofit organization or Federally-recognized Indian Tribal Organization that provides health care services either directly or through contract, or refer participants to other organizations for health care. However, in selecting local agencies, State agencies must give first priority to those agencies that provide health care services either directly or through contract. Also, WIC local agencies must employ nutritionists, dieticians or other health personnel authorized by the WIC State agency to determine nutrition risk of participants and provide nutrition education. 

FBOs/CBOs apply to the responsible State agency for each State in which they wish to participate.
 

WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) 

FMNP  provides WIC participants with 1) coupons or checks to purchase unprepared, locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers and/or farmers’ markets; and, 2) nutrition education. To be eligible to become a FMNP local agency, an organization must be a government agency or a nonprofit entity. Since FMNP recipients are WIC participants, usually WIC local agencies are also FMNP local agencies. 

FBOs/CBOs apply to the responsible State agency for each State in which they wish to participate.
 

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

SFMNP provides low-income elderly (at least age 60) recipients with 1) coupons or checks to purchase unprepared, locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers’ markets, roadside stands and community supported agriculture programs; and, 2) nutrition education. SFMNP grantees select local agencies to provide SFMNP services to recipients. Generally, a SFMNP local agency is a government agency or a private nonprofit organization. 

FBOs/CBOs apply to the responsible State agency for each State in which they wish to participate.

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