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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A Refreshing Summer Treat!
This summer our house has turned into playdate central! Most weekdays we have an extra kiddo (or several) at our house. I never realized how much 7-year-olds could eat in a two-hour time span until this summer! With all these planned and unexpected playdates, I try to keep plenty of snacks and drinks on hand…
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Food Safety at Day Camp
During the summer my daughter goes to day camp during the weekdays. She has to take her lunch each day. Food safety is top of mind for me as we pack her lunch each morning. Here is what has worked for us. Freezable lunch bag-Her lunch bag goes in the freezer each night so it…
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Summer Food Safety on the Go
Back in May I wrote a blog about how I enjoy going on adventures with my children in the summer and packing a picnic made up of snack foods. Today I would like to follow up with a few tips on how we keep those picnics safe to eat. Handwashing: If we are somewhere with…