You may qualify for one or more of these programs that makes it easier to buy healthy foods:
SNAP
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides extra money for groceries to help buy food while money is tight.
In Iowa, click here to learn if you are eligible.
Outside of Iowa, click here to find your state to see if you are eligible.
School Meals
School Meals are available at free or reduced prices to children ages 18 and under.
Call or visit your child's school to see if you're eligible and to apply.
Food Pantries and Distributions
Food Pantries and Distributions provide free food to community members who are experiencing hunger. Food banks are big warehouses that provide food to local organizations called food pantries.
In Iowa, call 211 to find your nearest food pantry.
Outside of Iowa, find your nearest food bank here, then call or search your zip code to find local pantries.
Congregate Meals
Congregate Meals are available for adults ages 60 and older. Services are resuming on-site as congregate meals or home-delivered meals may be available for individuals who are homebound.
In Iowa, find meals in your county here or call 211.
Outside of Iowa, find nearby meal providers here.
Double Up
Food Bucks
Double Up Food Bucks gives you $1 in Double Up Food Bucks for every $1 you spend on any fresh fruits and vegetables with your SNAP EBT card.
In Iowa, find a Double Up Food Bucks location near you here.
Outside of Iowa, see if your state has this program and find participating grocery stores and Farmer's Markets near you here.
Blog Posts
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Recipe Mashup – Slow Cooker Pork Roast on a Sandwich
This month we are sharing food mashups. These are ideas for using foods or recipes in unexpected ways. You will hear about a mashup from each of the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. bloggers through the month of June! Have you tried our delicious Slow Cooker Pork Roast? This is one of my favorite recipes on…
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A Funny Story About Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Nine years ago, when my son was six and my daughter was two, my co-worker and friend Katy Moscoso came over to watch my kids. I made the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe ahead of time for them to have for supper. I had made the recipe before, and my daughter liked…
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Double Up Food Bucks
One of the best things about summer in Iowa is the wonderful fruits and vegetables that come into season. Sweet corn, summer tomatoes, and fresh green beans are high on my list. In Iowa, we are lucky to have a program that helps Iowans who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eat more…
