The Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) For Single Moms
Last Updated on August 19, 2023 by Lori Pace
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) aims to help all low-income Americans get emergency food assistance without paying for a single thing. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides nutritious and high-quality food to state agencies.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)
Each state receives food based on the number of unemployed people with low-income (income below the state’s poverty level). Then, it’s up to each state to provide food to local agencies (food banks and tribal organizations). These local agencies then give food pantries and soup kitchens to the public.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program’s Purpose
- The USDA provides a third of the Feeding America network’s 2020 meals; they’re also a vital part of the food distribution at food banks.
- Provide more than 120 nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, milk, cheese, and whole-grain or enriched grain products such as rice, cereal, pasta, and other food items.
- Purchase food to support U.S. producers and growers. Each year, the food purchased is distributed through TEFAP or other USDA Food Distribution programs. Besides, hese purchases are a win-win situation for farmers, food banks, and those in need.
Eligibility Requirements
For Public or Private Nonprofit Organizations
These are organizations that aim to give nutrition assistance to low-income Americans through home-to-home food distribution or serving meals. However, these organizations should meet the following:
- Have a home-to-home food distribution eligibility that applies to the income standards of the state.
- Serving meals for predominantly low-income people
For Households
Households must meet the state eligibility criteria, which include income standards. They’re also required to participate in other welfare programs available (federal or local) that are mainly based on income. However, low-income people who go through served meals do not have any eligibility requirements.
Contact The Emergency Food Assistance Program
You can contact Les Johnson, director of the Food Distribution Division, at 703-305-2680, or visit The Emergency Food Assistance Program website for detailed information and eligibility requirements.
Besides these programs, some US non-profit organizations also provide food grants for single mothers.
