Donated foods, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) foods, are distributed through local food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding organizations.

Donated foods, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) foods, are distributed through local food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding organizations.

Households may be eligible for TEFAP Foods for home consumption by self-declaration if:

• Total household income is at or below 300 percent of the current poverty level for the number of persons in the household, or
• The household currently receives assistance under any of the following programs:          
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medicaid

“Income” means gross income before any deductions, expenses, etc., and includes but is not limited to: wages, salaries, Social Security, public assistance or welfare payments, unemployment compensation, pensions, etc. There is no means test for participation in a soup kitchen as it is presumed that anyone seeking a meal is needy.

If a household specifies in writing, a third party may complete the eligibility application and/or pick up TEFAP Foods on behalf of the household. In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, Section 5 U.S. C. 552 (b)(4) and (6), all information obtained from households for participation in TEFAP is confidential and privileged.

For assistance locating a food pantry, soup kitchen or other emergency feeding organization in your local area, or for more information, contact the state-contracted Distributing Agency serving your county.