Additional Resources and Assistance
The resources listed below are provided for individuals or for professionals who support individuals or families in need. The information included under Federal/State Programs and Federal/State School Meal Programs contains information for other services that are not provided by All Faiths Food Bank. If you have questions, please contact the relevant organization.
For more information on All Faiths Food Bank Services see here or for a schedule of our food distributions see here.
Nutrition and Recipes
For nutrition information, nutrition education and healthy recipes see here.
Federal/State Programs
2-1-1 Referral Program
2-1-1 Suncoast, is a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211suncoastcares.org.
To contact an information and referral specialist, call 941-308-4357 or info@211suncoastcares.org
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides food-purchasing assistance for those with low or no income. It is a Federal aid program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). In Florida benefits are distributed by the Department of Children and Families. Recipients can buy all food items such as breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy, and plants and seeds.
FOR INDIVIDUALS SEEKING ASSISTANCE
All Faiths Food Bank provides assistance to individuals in Sarasota and DeSoto counties who would like to enroll for SNAP benefits.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides Federal grants to States for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
FOR INDIVIDUALS SEEKING ASSISTANCE
How to Apply: To apply to be a WIC participant, you will need to contact your State or local agency to set up an appointment. Check out your State’s website or call the toll-free number for the phone number of your local WIC office. When you call to set up an appointment, someone will tell you the location nearest your home and what you need to bring with you.
Florida state website: http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/wic/
Florida Toll Free number: 1-800-342-3556
Sarasota Office number: 941-861-2929
DeSoto Office number: 863-993-4601 ext. 117 or ext. 140
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income elderly persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods.
HOW TO APPLY: https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/eligibility-how-apply
Federal/State School and Institution Meal Programs
Direct Certification: All school districts nationwide are required to directly certify children living in households that receive SNAP/Food Stamp benefits for free school meals. Direct certification is also possible through enrollment in certain Medicaid programs. States and school districts should also work with other agencies, such as the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) office to certify without paper application other categorically eligible children. Children who are categorically eligible and may be directly certified include children in foster care, Head Start, homeless, migrant or living in households receiving SNAP/Food Stamp, certain Medicaid programs, FDPIR or TANF benefits may be directly certified.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day.
FOR INDIVIDUALS SEEKING ASSISTANCE
Information: https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/national-school-lunch-program-nslp
How to Apply: Schools send school meal applications home at the beginning of each school year. However, you may apply for school meals any time during the school year by submitting an application directly to your school or district. You may ask for an application any time during the school year. If you’re earning at or below current Income Eligibility Guidelines, you are encouraged to contact your school or district to fill out a school meal application. Applications are reviewed by local school or district officials before granting free or reduced price benefits. If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, all of your children who attend school automatically qualify for free school meals. Participation in other Federal assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) also provides automatic eligibility. Please contact your school to determine if you need to fill out an application.
Applications: https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/applying-free-and-reduced-price-school-meals
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
CACFP provides aid to child and adult care institutions and family or group day care homes for the provision of nutritious foods that contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children, and the health and wellness of older adults and chronically impaired disabled persons.
Information: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cacfp/child-and-adult-care-food-program
HOW TO APPLY: CACFP is a federally-funded program administered by States. Contact your State agency to apply, find a day care home sponsor, or locate a facility that participates.
FLORIDA STATE AGENCIES:
- Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Office number: 850-414-2337
Website: http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/index.php
- Florida Department of Health, Office number: 850-245-4323