TEFAP (Emergency Food Assistance)

About This Program

TEFAP provides USDA commodity foods — bulk agricultural products purchased by the federal government — to low-income households at no cost through a national network of food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters. The types of food distributed vary by what is available in the USDA commodity inventory but typically include canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, peanut butter, canned meats, cheese, and other shelf-stable items. Distribution happens in two ways: households can visit local food pantries and receive food directly (home delivery), or they can pick up food at congregate sites like community centers or churches. Each participating organization sets its own schedule and may have modest eligibility verification requirements, though many food pantries serve anyone in need without income verification. TEFAP is separate from SNAP and can be used simultaneously. Unlike SNAP, TEFAP does not provide a card or voucher — you receive actual food products. Because TEFAP relies on commodity availability, what is distributed at any given pantry varies month to month. To find TEFAP distribution in your area, contact your local food bank (use the Feeding America network locator at feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank) or your state's TEFAP agency. The program operates through state social services agencies that pass through federal funding to local organizations.

Eligibility Requirements

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