Brandon Kelley
1. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
You probably know that this government program exists, but under a more commonly used name of “food stamps.” It was created to help those who are having trouble feeding their families, which describes a lot of us now more than ever.
Getting SNAP involves passing specific requirements. Luckily, many of them have been eased during the COVID-19 pandemic to make food assistance more accessible.
STOP!
Do you need a financial reset? If you owe more than $10,000 here is a debt relief resource available to help you today.
How is SNAP now easier to get? Instead of having to go in person to enroll, you can complete a remote application. You may get more money towards groceries than previously possible.
Also, if you have kids, you can get school meals without having to bring them along for the ride. This keeps them safer from the outbreak and reduces the spread of the coronavirus.
Visit the official SNAP page to learn more about this form of food assistance.
2. The National Hunger Hotline
You can call the USDA National Hunger hotline to get emergency food assistance by dialing 866-3-HUNGRY between 7 am and 10 pm Eastern. The hotline functions from Monday through Friday.
3. USA.gov Website
If you’re interested in seeing the various ways in which the government can help you during these tough times, a trip to the USA.gov website can help you achieve that goal.
Of particular help will be its food assistance page. Have a closer look at it and bookmark the page for the future, as it has several options that can help your family in the future should money issues arise, and you find your cupboard getting bare.
4. Social Services
Each state has a social services agency that can help families during times of need. Go here and select your state or territory from the drop-down menu. On the next page, look for the Social Services option and click on it.
Depending on what your state has to offer, you could see links for food assistance, as well as help with jobs, child care, and much more.
5. Organizations Within Your Community
The nutritional help you need may be a lot closer than you think. Getting in touch with a religious or community organization can help you find food and a whole lot more.
You could do an online search for religious or community organizations in your area. You could also use the 211 service for more direct help.
As you can see at that link, 211 has a section devoted to COVID-19 resources. You may find food assistance there, as well as help with other necessities.
6. The News
If you haven’t been watching the news or checking local websites, you may want to start. Since food scarcity and loss of income is such an issue, food distribution drives are continually being announced.
As soon as you see a distribution site announcement, do not delay in showing up. Many have seen long lines, as the number of families who are struggling grows.
Mark Luigi Dacumos
Brandon Kelley