Resources to eat right when money's tight
Not everyone can always get the food they need easily. Whether you always struggle to pay your bills or it’s just a bad month, not having enough money is a real challenge that can get in the way of healthy eating.
Food insecurity means a household lacks the funds or other resources to buy enough food to live healthy, active lives. This can happen to people for different reasons. Unemployment, job loss, not making enough money, lack of availability, or being disabled can all contribute to food insecurity.
Food insecurity is a health issue. Not having enough money for food puts us at risk for hunger and malnourishment. When money is tight, we may also be more likely to buy less nutritious foods to stretch our budgets further.
Not having enough money for food can happen to anyone at any time. Don’t feel ashamed if this happens to you. There are programs and people that can help. Your coach is one person you can reach out to, to help point you in the right direction.
These websites and programs can also be valuable resources:
- FindHelp: Search by ZIP code to find food programs in your immediate area.
- Feeding America: Plug in your ZIP code to find a local food bank that’s part of Feeding America’s national network.
- WhyHunger: Enter your information and you’ll be directed to food pantries, soup kitchens, summer meal sites, and more in your area. You can also call 1-800-5-HUNGRY, or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479.
- Homeless Shelter Directory: Click on a state to find emergency food resources in your region.
- National Council on Aging: For older adults. Search to see if you’re eligible for meal assistance programs. Includes programs that are delivered to your home or available at locations around the community.
- USDA National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-348-6479 or 1-877-842-6273 (for Spanish); staff can connect you with local and national programs that can help.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Find out if you qualify for nutrition benefits to help supplement your healthy food budget.
- State Food and Nutrition programs: Your state may have its own program; use this website to search by state.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): This supplemental nutrition program is available to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as children below age 5 with incomes below a certain level.
- Food Distribution on Indian Reservations (FDPIR): If you live on an Indian reservation or are Native American and live near a reservation or in Oklahoma, you may qualify for access to nutritious foods.
Remember, taking steps to get the food you need is an important part of staying healthy. Your coach can help you figure out how to access food, and how to cook on a budget.
Here are a few resources that can also help:
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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.