TEFAP – The Emergency Food Assistance Program

TEFAP is a Federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost.

Under TEFAP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture makes USDA foods available to state distributing agencies.  The amount of food that each state receives is based on the number of unemployed persons and the number of people with incomes below the poverty level in the state.

States provide the food to local agencies, usually food banks like FBA, which – in turn – distribute the food to local organizations like food kitchens and food pantries that work directly with the public.

Recipients of food for home use must meet the income eligibility criteria set by the state.  

The local agencies distribute USDA food to eligible recipients for this household consumption.  Sometimes, as well, the food is used to prepare and serve meals in a congregate setting.