SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries have recently seen their checks become smaller. Now that inflation has made it difficult to make ends meet, there are many families that need extra support. It does not matter if you do not need this check, it is more than likely that you know someone who needs it.
The amount that SNAP checks decreased may not be a lot of money for those who have never needed support, but for needy families, it is a big deal. On average families got about 90 dollars extra, which they will not get from March onward. For other bigger families, the amount may be a lot more. Therefore, they may want to look for other checks.
Which programs are available other than the SNAP food benefits?
In the first place, you may want to know more about the WIC Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. According to the US Government, it is a program to help women and their children have access to food. Having healthy food as a child is something essential. To apply, you must be pregnant, breastfeeding (maximum for a 1-year-old baby), or six months after pregnancy. As you can see, there are alternatives to SNAP.
On the other hand, if you apply for your kids, they must be under the age of five. Income, health, and residency requirements are necessary too. Contact your WIC agency to apply. The second check to save money is the Free School Meals for Children. They can eat at their school so you will be saving on their meals. It could be a childcare center, a school, or even an after-school program. Apply for the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program to make for the SNAP reduction.
What about the Summer Food Service Program?
This is the best way to make sure low-income families can give their children healthy meals during the summer break. Any children or teenager up to 18 can visit an SFSP office to get a free meal. It will be free and there is no need to register. People with a disability can also benefit from this program even if they are over 18 as long as they take part in a school program. There is still more to offer apart from SNAP.
If you are a senior or know one who needs food assistance, they can apply for the Free Food Programs for Seniors. Those seniors that have a low income can take advantage of the federal programs available to them. The first one is the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Rather than checks you get coupons to buy fresh food. For instance, fresh vegetables, herbs, honey, and fruit. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program could grant you a package with healthy food too. Apply now to get more than just SNAP benefits.