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There is a lack of understanding as to how food pantry's function, as well as misconceptions about who uses and is eligible for food emergency assistance.

The federal food emergency assistance program (TEFAP) that was established in 1983 helps to ensure that surplus food isn't wasted; that available food is accessible to those in need; that the nutritional needs of low-income households are being met; and that businesses and individuals who donate food to these agencies receive a tax benefit which, in some cases, can be substantial depending on the size of the business and the total amount of food donated each year.

The more people learn about how food pantries work, and the more who participate in or contribute to these programs, the better we will be able to serve those in need while utilizing available food sources and reducing food waste.

Groups who may benefit from federal food assistance and food pantry access include low-income individuals in general, including but not limited to:

Unemployed and low-income individuals
Those impacted by financial hardship or personal disaster.
Single moms
Minority groups
Individuals living in urban and rural settings who have limited access to adequate food.
The elderly
The disabled
Veterans

Becoming aware of, and making use of, emergency food assistance programs helps to increase awareness and supports those in need.

A person who makes use of food pantry resources may one day become someone who gives of their time, money and resources to federal programs like these with the wish to give back in gratitude for what they once received.

If you or someone you know is struggling with food insecurity, please reach out to your local food pantry to see if you or they qualify for assistance.

Food Pantries: How Can You Help?

Increase awareness by sharing what you know and passing along information about food pantries and the USDA's food assistance program.
Donate food and funds to your local food bank and food pantries when able.
Participate in seasonal food drives organized by grocery stores and community organizations.
Follow your local food pantries on social media to learn what items they currently need, and share with your social media connections.
Organize your own community food drive to support food banks and food pantries in your area. You can offer to pick up canned and boxed food donations, to deliver to your local participating agencies.
Consider donating food, grocery or toiletry items that you don't need or can't use to your local food bank.
If you accept assistance from a food pantry, only take what you know you'll use.
Routinely do an inventory check of your kitchen pantry and cabinets to see what unused items with shelf-life left in them you may offer to those in need.
As a food pantry client, communicate allergies, sensitivities and food restrictions to your food pantry so you won't end up with products that you can't use and that may go to waste.
If you're a food grower or distributing company, apply to be a participating vendor in the TEFAP program.
Convey the positive effect of food pantry and food bank presence in your community: greater food security, less food waste, increasing knowledge of how to prepare nutritious meals and lowered risk of chronic disease as a result of access to nourishing foods.

RESOURCES:

About TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)

USDA Foods Available List for TEFAP | Food and Nutrition Service

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) – the place to begin researching your eligibility for emergency food assistance from a food pantry in your locale.

US FNS State resources can be found here: FNS Contacts | Food and Nutrition Service (usda.gov)

Vendor Participation in the TEFAP program: The Emergency Food Assistance Program Fresh Produce Package | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov)

Reach and Resiliency Grant

TEFAP Reach and Resiliency grants to forge partnerships between state agencies, current partner organizations, and new partners, with the goal of broadening the emergency food network into remote, rural, tribal, and/or low-income communities.