Food Resources: What are My Options?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as “Food Stamps”)

  • The amount of benefits provided by SNAP depends on household income, size, and allowable expenses.
  • SNAP does not cover the costs of all food but helps purchase food needed for a nutritional diet.
  • You must meet income guidelines to qualify for the program.
  • To apply, use the DSS Online System and hit “continue” to get to the SNAP application
  • Or, apply at your local Social Services Office. Find your local office here.

WIC (Women, Infants, & Children)

  • WIC promotes the wellbeing and health of low-income women, infants, and children.
  • The program provides education for creating positive eating habits and making healthy choices.
  • The program provides food vouchers that can be used at grocery stores throughout the state.
  • To receive aid from WIC, you must have an infant, child younger than five, or be a woman or teenage girl that is pregnant, up to six months after pregnancy, or is breastfeeding up to twelve months after birth.
  • You must meet income guidelines to qualify for the program or be a recipient of SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or FDPIR.
  • Helpline Center has WIC specialists who can answer your questions or help you set up an appointment. Please call 2-1-1 for their assistance.
  • To register, use the following link to find a clinic near you:   sdwic.org /locations or call (605) 773-3361 or 1-800-738-2301

Food Pantries

  • Food pantries are generally non-profit organizations that distribute food to those that struggle to buy enough food to avoid hunger.
  • There is often a limit on how often people can visit.
  • Recipients may need ID and piece of mail to provide proof of mailing address.

 Soup Kitchens

  • Soup kitchens serve free, nutritious meals for people who lack resources needed to buy or prepare food.
  • Locations and times may vary by community.
  • Participants rarely need to establish eligibility for the service.

Community Meals

  • Community meals are free meals that are served at special community events or informal gatherings. These occur sporadically/infrequently.

 Sack Lunch/Backpack Programs

  • Sack lunch programs provide a bag of food for people to take home when they don’t have a meal.
  • Backpack programs provide children with easy-to-prepare food to take home on the weekend when school is not in session.

Summer Feeding Programs

  • Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP) provide meals at designated locations throughout the summer.

 

  • For more information on how to obtain food local food resources, call 211 or search our online database:
  • www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1
    • Enter your zip code
      • Select Food category

Disclaimer: This HelpSheet is developed by the Helpline Center. Helpsheets provide a brief overview of the designated topic. For more information, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

Updated: June 2022