Skip to main content

Food Assistance for Families with Children

Programs to help ensure no child goes hungry

Families with children have access to multiple food programs that can be used together — WIC for young children and mothers, school meals, summer feeding programs, SNAP, and more.

Programs for Families

WIC (Women, Infants & Children)

WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5. Income limit is 185% FPL. Available regardless of immigration status.

Learn more about WIC →

Free School Meals

Free breakfast and lunch for children in families at or below 130% FPL. Automatically qualifies if your family receives SNAP or TANF. Many schools now offer free meals to ALL students through the Community Eligibility Provision.

Learn more about school meals →

Summer Meals + Summer EBT

When school is out, children under 18 can get free meals at open summer sites — no ID or income proof needed. Summer EBT adds $120 per child for groceries, automatically enrolled if eligible for school meals.

Learn more about summer meals →

SNAP for Families

Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card. A family of 4 may receive up to $973/month. Childcare costs can be deducted from income when determining eligibility.

Learn more about SNAP →

Use All Programs Together

Your family can use WIC + SNAP + free school meals + summer meals + food pantries ALL at the same time. There is no limit on stacking programs. If you qualify for SNAP, your children automatically qualify for free school meals.

Key Resources

WIC Program
Nutrition support for mothers and children under 5
National School Lunch Program
Free and reduced-price school meals
No Kid Hungry
Childhood hunger resources and meal finders
Summer Meal Site Finder
Find free summer meals near you

Related Programs

WICSNAPSchool MealsSummer MealsCACFP

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my family use multiple food programs at the same time?
Yes. Families can receive WIC, SNAP, free school meals, visit food pantries, and use summer feeding programs all at the same time. These programs are designed to work together.
How do I get free school meals for my children?
Fill out the free and reduced-price meal application through your child's school. If your family receives SNAP or TANF, your children automatically qualify. Many schools now offer free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision.
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT provides $120 per child for the summer months to buy groceries. Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals are automatically eligible. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card.
Who qualifies for WIC?
WIC serves pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children under age 5. Income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. WIC is available regardless of immigration status.

Find a Food Pantry Near You

Search 88,000+ food pantries and food banks across the US.