When most people think of their local food stamp office, they picture SNAP benefits and EBT cards. But here’s what many don’t realize: these offices are actually gateways to a whole network of food assistance programs that can help stretch your grocery budget even further. Whether you’re already receiving SNAP or don’t qualify for traditional food stamps, there are additional programs that might be perfect for your situation.

Let’s explore the hidden gems of food assistance that your local office can connect you with.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Free Food for Everyone

TEFAP is probably the best-kept secret in food assistance. Unlike SNAP, which provides monthly benefits to buy groceries, TEFAP gives you actual food – and the income requirements are much more generous.

What makes TEFAP special:

• Higher income limits – Most states allow up to 185-300% of the federal poverty level (around $55,000+ for a family of four)

• No asset restrictions – Your savings account or car value won’t disqualify you

• Automatic eligibility if you already receive SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, or SSI

• Monthly food boxes with USDA-purchased items like canned vegetables, fruits, proteins, grains, and often fresh produce

How to access: Visit participating food pantries and soup kitchens in your area. You can receive TEFAP food even if you’re already getting SNAP benefits.

WIC: Not Just for Babies

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) covers more families than you might think. This program provides specific healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.

Who qualifies:

• Pregnant women (during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after delivery)

• Breastfeeding women (up to one year after birth)

• Infants and children up to age 5

• Fathers, grandparents, and foster parents can apply for children in their care

What WIC provides: Specific foods like milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, baby formula, plus nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support.

Income requirement: Up to 185% of the federal poverty level (about $54,000 for a family of four).

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Monthly Food Boxes for Seniors

If you’re 60 or older, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides monthly food packages specifically designed for seniors’ nutritional needs.

CSFP benefits:

• Monthly food boxes with cheese, milk, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter, and proteins

• No cost to participants

• Available in combination with SNAP and other programs

Eligibility: Age 60+, income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (about $1,700/month for individuals).

Energy Assistance That Frees Up Grocery Money

Many food stamp offices also handle Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):

• Help with heating and cooling bills

• Emergency assistance for shut-off notices

• Weatherization services to reduce energy costs

How this helps: Lower utility bills mean more money available for groceries.

Finding Local Emergency Food Resources

Your food stamp office maintains databases of local emergency food providers:

• Food pantries that provide groceries for home preparation

• Soup kitchens offering prepared meals

• Mobile food pantries that rotate through neighborhoods

• Senior nutrition programs with congregate meals

Pro tip: Many programs have no income restrictions for prepared meals – they simply serve anyone who says they need food.

Seasonal and Emergency Programs

Food stamp offices often coordinate special programs:

• Summer meal programs for children when school is out

• Holiday food distributions during Thanksgiving and Christmas

• Senior farmers market vouchers for fresh produce

• Disaster food assistance after emergencies

How to Access These Programs

Start with your local SNAP office, even if you don’t qualify for food stamps. Staff can:

• Assess your eligibility for multiple programs simultaneously

• Provide referrals to local food pantries and emergency providers

• Help with applications for WIC, LIHEAP, and other assistance

What to bring:

• Photo ID and proof of address

• Income information for all household members

• Information about current benefits you receive

Stacking Benefits for Maximum Support

The smartest approach combines multiple programs:

• SNAP + TEFAP = Monthly benefits plus free monthly food boxes

• WIC + SNAP = Specialized foods for young families plus general grocery benefits

• CSFP + TEFAP = Double food assistance for seniors

• LIHEAP + food programs = Lower bills plus food support

Getting Started

Visit your local food stamp office and ask specifically about:

1. TEFAP distribution sites in your area
2. WIC eligibility if you have young children or are pregnant/breastfeeding
3. CSFP availability if you’re 60+
4. Energy assistance programs to free up grocery money
5. Local food pantry directories and emergency food resources

Remember, many of these programs have different eligibility requirements than SNAP, so even if you don’t qualify for food stamps, you might qualify for other assistance. The staff at your local office are there to help connect you with every resource available.

Program availability and requirements vary by state and locality. Contact your local food stamp office or social services department for specific information about programs in your area.