Deepwater / Oil Spill Response
USDA nutrition assistance programs can help to mitigate the food
insecurity likely to be faced by families affected by the Gulf oil
spillage. Each of these programs offers particular sources of food
assistance to children and their families experiencing adverse economic
conditions.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps low-income people and families buy the food they need for
good health. Benefits are authorized by a State or local agency and
provided on an electronic benefits transfer card that can be used at
most grocery stores. Designed to respond to economic conditions, the
program has proven over the years to respond quickly to deteriorations
in individual and regional circumstances. In February 2010, almost 39.7
million Americans received benefits averaging $133 per person. In
general, benefits are available to citizens and immigrants legally
admitted for permanent residence. While persons who hold temporary work
visa are not eligible, family members may be eligible. For example, an
ineligible parent may apply on behalf of their citizen children.
Child Nutrition Programs
Low-income
children can receive free meals through schools, child care centers,
family day care homes, after school programs and summer programs that
participate in the FNS Child Nutrition Programs. Also low-income
infants, children up to the age of five and pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum women can participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and receive a supplemental
food package to help meet their nutritional needs. Eligibility extends
to immigrants and temporary workers as well as citizens.
Food Distribution
The
Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides USDA foods through
food banks and food pantries for families that need assistance.
Eligibility extends to immigrants and temporary workers as well as
citizens.
Last updated:
02/14/2012
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