Supporting our artist community is at the heart of what we do. Each day we’re going to be sharing some important tools, opportunities, and resources for artists on our blog. Follow along and reach out if you need additional support.

Today we’re going to talk about your options for food assistance.

TYPES OF FEDERAL FOOD ASSISTANCE:

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assitance Program)
WIC (SNAP for Women, Infants, and Children)
USDA Child Nutrition Programs (National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program)

Each Programs benefits depend on your state. To find Virginia’s benefits, click here.

SNAP

What is it?

A federal nutrition program. Previously known as “food stamps”, SNAP benefits can help you stretch your food budget if you have low income.

Benefits are issued to you monthly on a plastic EBT card and can be used on items at the grocery store. Certain restrictions apply, check USDA for list of foods and products that are eligible.

Am I eligible?

To determine if you are eligible, you must meet certain requirements. You can apply through your state’s

If you would like to apply for SNAP benefits, visit CommonHelp online or call 855-635-4370.

WIC

WIC is a short term program for pregnant or breastfeeding women and new mothers.

Am I eligible?

You can apply for yourself if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or within 6 months of giving birth, can you can apply for your kids under 5 years.

In Virginia, you can apply at: https://www.myvawic.org/

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS

What is it?

National School Lunch Program

School Breakfast program

For more information on these programs in Virginia, visit the Virginia Dept. of Education Food Student & School Support page

Am I eligible?

Your child is automatically eligible if you receive SNAP, TANF (welfare), or the Food Distribution on Indian Reservations.

Eased Rules for Coronavirus Pandemic:

Parents can pick up school meals for kids to eat at home
Parents can pick up food outside the standard meal times
People can enroll in programs remotely tater than in person. This applies to programs for pregnant women, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Suspension of 3 month time limited on benefits for adults under 50

Search your county for school meal pick up locations.
Richmond Public School Lunch Pick up:

https://www.rvaschools.net/covid-19-food

Henrico School Lunch Pick up:

https://henricoschools.us/covid19/grab-and-go-breakfasts-and-lunches/

PANDEMIC RESPONSE IN VA:

The state has released additional benefits due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Emergency benefits for March were released March 25 and automatically added to recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.

Households can expect their normal benefits for April to be received on their usual issuance date; emergency benefits will be added on April 16.

On average, the monthly SNAP benefit per participant is $119. Over 680,000 people currently receive SNAP benefits in Virginia. More info here. https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/pandemic/covid-19/virginia#cn