Food Program Ease Rules

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For Immediate Food Assistance

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• USDA National Hunger Hotline:

 

Phone: 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)

Hours: Information available Monday-Friday 7:00am-10:00pm (English or Spanish)

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You can check to see if you qualify quickly and easily with this online screening test:

• https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/screening

 

How to apply for SNAPS (formally Food Stamps): 

• https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/apply

 

What information should I have prepared?

• Birth dates

• Social Security numbers

• Incomes

• Expenses

 

How will I have an easier time with government meal programs from additional changes:

• SNAP recipients may receive supplemental funding

• Parents can receive school meals to eat at home

• Remote enrollment may occur

 

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program:

 

• This short-term program can help you get healthy food for yourself and your young children under the age of 5 years

• You may also choose your preferred language

• https://www.mass.gov/forms/apply-for-wic-online

 

• Am I eligible? You must meet these eligibility requirements:

  •  Categorical

  •  Residential

  •  Income

  •  Nutrition Risk

  • Get a description for each using this link:

    • https://www.mass.gov/forms/apply-for-wic-online

 

Is my child eligible for School Meal Programs?:

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• Your kids automatically qualify for free meals or milk if:

  • You receive SNAP (food stamps), TANF (welfare), or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

  • They are foster children under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court

  • They’re enrolled in Head Start

• Your kids may qualify if your household income is within the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines based on federal poverty guidelines.

  • If your income is no more than 130 percent of the poverty level, they should qualify for free meals.

  • If your income is no more than 185 percent of the poverty level, they should qualify for reduced-price meals.

• The summer food service program is open to all kids and teens 18 and under at locations around the country. Find a site near you. 

 

• Contact your child’s school directly to get more information

 

Am I eligible for Senior State Food Programs?:

• You may be eligible if you:

  • Are 60 or older

  • Have an income at or below 185% of the federal poverty income guidelines

  • Live in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and five Indian Tribal Organizations participate in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. 

 

Contact

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Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

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251 Causeway St. Suite 500 Boston, MA 02114

Rebecca Davidson, Coordinator

Phone: 617-626-1744 (MDAR)

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Office for Food and Nutrition Programs, 75 Pleasant St. Malden, MA 02148

Robert Leshin, Executive Director

Phone: 781-338-6477