Non-Citizens & FNS Programs
If you are a non-citizen, you and your family members may be eligible to participate in several programs operated by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). We hope you explore the programs and resources below to find access to nutritious meals for yourself and your loved ones.
Important Update
Applying for or receiving benefits from FNS nutrition programs does not make someone a "public charge." If you or a family member are eligible for FNS programs, you can apply knowing that you and your family will not face immigration consequences.
On Sept. 9, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published the final rule "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility," which aligns with longstanding policy that applying for or receiving FNS program benefits, like SNAP, will not make you a public charge and will not be considered in a public charge determination. More information on this rule is available here.
You can read the FNS - United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) joint letter to learn more about public charge and SNAP.
FNS and USCIS Joint Letter on SNAP
Programs Supporting Eligible Non-Citizens
SNAP
SNAP helps families buy nutritious food with an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, similar to a debit card. SNAP benefits can be used at authorized stores, farm stands, and farmer’s markets across the country. SNAP can help you and your family eat right when money is tight.
To be eligible, households must meet regular SNAP rules. Certain non-citizens must meet additional criteria. If a non-citizen is ineligible for SNAP, other members of their household, like citizen children, may still be eligible. Getting SNAP benefits does not make you or members of your household a public charge.
Please visit the links below to learn more about which non-citizens are eligible for SNAP, special rules for these non-citizens, how to apply, and additional resources.
- SNAP policy on non-citizen eligibility
- Apply for SNAP benefits
- Find SNAP retailers in your area
- Find your local SNAP office
WIC
WIC helps low-income women, infants, and children up to the age of 5 by providing nutritious foods, information on healthy eating, and referrals to healthcare. WIC benefits are available to women during and after their pregnancy and include breastfeeding support. WIC food benefits can be used at authorized stores across the country. Some state agencies provide additional coupons that can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets through the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).
To be eligible for WIC, individuals must meet WIC requirements. Immigration status does not affect your eligibility to receive WIC benefits. Participating in the program does not affect your ability to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident as receipt of WIC benefits does not make you a public charge. Please visit the links below to learn more about to how to apply for WIC and find answers to frequently asked questions.
- How to apply for WIC
- WIC Frequently Asked Questions
- The Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
- WIC state agencies
School Meals Programs
Nutritious food goes hand in hand with success in the classroom. The School Breakfast Program helps your kids start each school day with a good breakfast. Lunch through the National School Lunch Program gets your kids through a full day of learning. These school meals have plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy foods.
You do not need to be a citizen. Receiving meals does not make you a public charge. Free or low-cost meals are available at school for every child.
- The National School Lunch Program
- El Programa Nacional de Almuerzo Escolar
- The School Breakfast Program
- El Programa de Desayuno Escolar
- NSLP or SBP state agencies
Summer Meals Program
Are you worried about feeding your kids during the summer when school is out? Summer meal programs provide good food to anyone age 18 or under. The meals meet USDA guidelines. They include milk, protein, fruits, vegetables, and grains. They give kids the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow. Meal sites are open when local public schools are closed for summer vacation.
The food is free for every child. You do not need to be a citizen. Receiving meals does not make you a public charge. There are usually no papers for parents to fill out. See if there is a summer meal site near you where your kids can eat for free. Call the National Hunger Hotline at 1‐866‐3‐HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE.
- Find meals for kids when schools are closed
- Buscar sitios para Comidas de Verano
- How to participate in Summer Meals
- Cómo Participar en Comidas de Verano
- SFSP state agencies
Child and Adult Care Food Program
How does CACFP keep the cost of day care more affordable for families? CACFP provides healthy meals for children, young people, and seniors in day care. The nutritious food gets them through a full day of activities. Cash payments through CACFP to day care centers and providers makethese meals healthier and less expensive. And the benefits extend not only to young children and adults receiving day care. CACFP also provides healthy meals to older kids and young people in shelters and afterschool programs.
You do not have to be a citizen to participate. Receiving meals does not make you a public charge, nor does receiving CACFP payments. If you are a day care provider, ask your state agency about CACFP.
- CACFP Building for the Future
- CACFP Construyendo el Futuro
- CACFP State Agencies
Additional Programs
There are more FNS programs that you may be eligible for:
- Seniors' Farmer Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
- The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Other support programs you may be eligible for outside of FNS:
- Find Your Local Foodbank
- Find Health Insurance
- Find Meal Delivery
- Find a Tax Break
Page updated: October 24, 2023
