Federal Nutrition Programs

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) includes Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). FNS operates 16 federal nutrition programs in partnership with state and tribal governments. The federal nutrition programs serve 1 in 4 Americans each year.

For questions about any of these programs, please contact the Texas Department of Agriculture by visiting Food and Nutrition Service.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• SNAP reduces food insecurity while stimulating economic growth.
• Although SNAP is a federal program, each state determines the requirements for eligibility.
• In Texas, eligibility for SNAP is based on the number of people who live in your household, the amount of income your household receives, and the value of a household’s cars.
• If you currently live in Texas, you must apply for SNAP through the Texas Health and Human Services agency.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

• WIC provides federal funds to states for:
  • supplemental nourishing foods for healthy pregnancy and delivery.
  • nutrition education and counseling at WIC clinics.
  • screening and referrals to healthcare and social services.
• WIC covers women from low-income households through pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after giving birth.
• WIC also provides services to infants and children up to the age of 5 who are food insecure.

National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

• NSLP provides nourishing low-cost or no-cost lunches to children each school day.
• More than 30 million children across the United States participate in NSLP.
• Your child’s school may offer no-cost meals to all students. Ask a school administrator or counselor if your child’s school offers no-cost meals to all students.

NSLP Application

School Breakfast Program (SBP)

• FNS administers SBP at the federal level by reimbursing states that serve breakfast in schools.
• Local school food authorities operate the program in schools.
• Over 15 million children across the United States participate in SBP.

SBP Application

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

• SFSP is federally funded and administered by the State you reside in.
• The program serves no-cost, healthy meals and snacks to children and teens at summer sites in communities that are low-income.
• These summer sites also offer enrichment activities such as reading, physical activity, and nutrition education.
• Summer sites include schools, camps, government agencies, non-profit agencies, and faith-based organizations.
• Children 18 years and younger may receive free meals and snacks at any SFSP site.
• Meals and snacks are also available through SFSP to persons with disabilities who are over age 18 and participate in school programs for people with mental or physical disabilities. 

Find a SFSP site

Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

• CACFP is a federal program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating childcare centers, daycare homes, and adult daycare centers.
• Participants from households with incomes at or below 130% of poverty are eligible for free meals in participating CACFP centers.
• Participants in CACFP centers with household incomes between 130-185% of poverty are eligible
• for meals and a reduced price.
• The CACFP center will determine each participant’s eligibility for free or reduced price meals served in the center.
• Children whose families participate in SNAP are eligible for free meals.
• Children who participate in Head Start are automatically eligible for free meals.
• Foster children and children experiencing homelessness are also automatically eligible for free meals.
• Adults who participate in SNAP or receive Social Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid are eligible for free meals.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

• CSFP works to improve the health of older adults at least 60 years old by supplementing their diets with nutritious foods.
• USDA distributed both food and administrative funds to participating states.
• States establish income limits for the elderly that are at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
• States also establish income limits for the children who remain on the program that are at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, but not below 100% of these guidelines.
• Food packages include a variety of non-perishable foods such as nonfat dry and ultra high-temperature fluid milk, juice, farina, oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter, dry beans, canned meat, poultry or fish, and canned fruits and vegetables.