Programs and Services
Federal Food Programs
Federal food assistance programs are in place to combat hunger. If these programs were strengthened and fully utilized, we could virtually end hunger in Connecticut. End Hunger CT! focuses outreach, advocacy and education efforts around these nutrition programs, including:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is the nation’s first defense against hunger. SNAP gives people a monthly benefit , via an Electronic Benefit Transfer card (EBT), that is used to purchase food. Many farmers markets around the state accept SNAP. This program provides more substantial nutrition assistance to children than all child nutrition programs combined.
National School Lunch Program Signed into law in 1946, the National School Lunch Program provides a federally funded reimbursement to public and private schools and childcare institutions for free and reduced price meals. Lunches served as a part of the National School Lunch Program must meet USDA nutrition guidelines.
School Breakfast Program The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is a federally funded meals program that started in 1966. The SBP provides nutritious breakfasts to students and gets them ready to learn.
Summer Food Service Program This program was created to provide the benefits of school lunch and breakfast during the summer when school is not in session. The program is vastly underutilized.
Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) WIC is a federally funded nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers and children age 5 and under stay healthy and eat well.
Child and Adult Care Food Program The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is federally funded and provides reimbursement for meals and snacks served in child and adult daycare facilities as well as to children in emergency shelters.
Nutritional Program for the Elderly The Nutrition Program for the Elderly includes congregate meal sites (Community Cafes) and homebound meals (Meals on Wheels), which are federally funded and administered by the State of Connecticut, Elderly Services Division.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program Otherwise known as TEFAP, this federal program is administered by the CT State Department of Social Services (DSS). DSS contracts with Connecticut Food Bank, Inc. and Foodshare, Inc. to distribute United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodities to eligible sites such as food banks, food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens that then provide distribution to households and/or serve meals. These commodities include items such as canned vegetables, fruits, meat, cereals, etc.
SNAP/Food Stamp Assistance
- Click here for details on how we can help you, your family, or your clients access the benefits of SNAP
- For general SNAP information, call our SNAP Info-line at 1-866-974-SNAP
- To see if you might be eligible for SNAP, please visit our SNAP prescreener website at www.ctfoodstamps.org. If, after using the prescreener, you have any questions you can call us at 860-560-2100
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