The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. It is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) division.

TEFAP foods are purchased by the state from USDA FNS and distributed as Emergency Food Packages and in meals served at Congregate Feeding Sites (Soup Kitchens).

Emergency Food Packages

Participants can receive a TEFAP package for their household at least once a month by visiting their local Distribution Site (Food Pantry). The food inside these packages are shelf-stable which means they don’t require refrigeration. Items may include canned or dried fruits, vegetables and legumes (beans), bottles juices, and nuts. 

Food packages are often supplemented with fresh produce, grains, pasta, bread and meat-based protein.

Congregate Feeding Sites (Soup Kitchens)

A congregate meal that includes TEFAP foods is a nutritious, hot meal provided at least once a day to an eligible participant at a nutrition site, senior center or other group setting. Congregate sites may also offer a variety of health-related services such as transportation, health screening, social service referrals, legal assistance, physical and social activities and volunteer opportunities.

For more information about TEFAP, please visit www.fns.usda.gov/tefap

Emergency TEFAP Packages

Applications are usually completed at the Distribution site by speaking to a worker who puts a participant’s information into a computer. The information is recorded as a requirement of the program and kept confidential.

Please read below to find your local site, items to bring and what to expect when you get there.

1. Find Your TEFAP Package Distribution Site

   Sites will show if they have a “dining room” which means they also offer congregate meal services.

   Find TEFAP locations

2. Documents Required

   Photo identification is required to get a TEFAP package. ID can be a Driver’s license, State ID card, or any other form of picture ID that proves identity.

   If you are homebound, please contact your local Distribution Site for directions on alternate ways to apply for the program, and to inquire about home delivery options.

3. Application Process

   When you get to the site, you will be asked to provide information including your name, address, phone number, date of birth and household size (number of people living in your home with you).

   You will also be asked to confirm that you meet the current income eligibility, you will not sell, trade, barter or exchange TEFAP food for service, and that you live in the geographic area served by the site.

Congregate Feed Site (Soup Kitchen) Meals

There is no formal application requirement to receive a meal from a Congregate Feeding Site. An individual only needs to go to the site and say that he/she is in need.