How to apply for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) — free USDA food boxes in Arizona

Who it's for

TEFAP gives free USDA food to low-income Arizonans. A household can get a food package at least once a month from a local distribution site (food pantry). Packages hold shelf-stable foods like canned fruits, vegetables and beans, often with fresh produce, bread or meat. You qualify if your household's gross income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level — $29,526 a year for one person or $40,034 for two in the DES table. Bring a photo ID to the site, where a worker takes your information and you confirm your income. If you are homebound, call your local site to ask about other ways to apply or home delivery. Hot meals at soup kitchens have no income test.

What you'll need

• Photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, or other picture ID)
• Your address, date of birth and household size, given at the distribution site

Where to apply

Renewals

monthly visits; confirm income at the site

Related programs

Other help that people in the same situation often look at.

• Food AssistanceCommodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) Senior Food BoxU.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (administered by your state)
• Food AssistanceCongregate Meals at Senior CentersAdministration for Community Living (delivered locally by Area Agencies on Aging)
• NutritionArizona Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) — Arizona Farmers Market Nutrition Program
• Health CoverageAHCCCS Medicaid — SSI-MAO (Aged, Blind & Disabled)Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

See all programs in Arizona →