How to Get Food Assistance in Austin, Texas

Numerous organizations provide food assistance in Austin, Texas.

Numerous programs offer food assistance to people in need in Austin, Texas. Some programs have government funding, like food stamps and free school lunch, while others operate primarily on donations, like church food pantries. Different programs have different eligibility criteria and you can receive help from more than one program if you meet the criteria. If you find you do not qualify for one program, ask staff there if they know of any other programs for which you might qualify.

Instructions

1. Apply for food stamps, formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Visit one of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission offices in Austin at 1165 Airport Boulevard, 1601 Rutherford Lane or 724 Eberhart Lane to obtain an application. If you prefer, apply online (see Resources) or call 211 in Austin to request an application. You will need proof of all household income, such as paycheck stubs or a disability award letter, when you apply.

2. Apply for free or reduced price lunch for your child if you have a child that attends school in Austin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides reimbursement to both public and private schools for school lunches for children from low-income families, and students who attend school within the Austin Independent School District or other schools in Austin may qualify. Request an application at your child's school. Many schools also provide free breakfast for children in need of assistance so ask about that at your child's school, too.

3. Contact food pantries in the Austin area, such as Caritas of Austin at 611 Neches Street, Eastside Community Connection at 5810 Berkman Drive and Hope Food Pantry at 4001 Speedway, to inquire about how to get assistance. Ask if you need to bring proof of income or any other documentation with you when you go for assistance. Different organizations have different eligibility criteria and different procedures for getting help. See the Resources section for more information on food pantries in Austin.

References

• USDA: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• USDA: National School Lunch Program
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission: How Do I Apply?

Resources

• Caritas of Austin: Food
• Eastside Community Connection: Food Services
• Hope Food Pantry
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Your Texas Benefits