Federal Food-Assistance Calendar

Quick links

SNAP / EBT monthly issuanceSchool year — NSLP + SBP activeSummer Food Service Program (SFSP) — kids 18 and underWIC certification cyclesTEFAP commodity food distributionCSFP senior food boxSenior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)D-SNAP — disaster food assistanceIRS tax deadline (charitable deduction cutoff)SNAP COLA (cost-of-living adjustment)WIC food list updates

Schedule: Recurring monthly — varies by state

Most states stagger SNAP issuance across multiple days based on case number, last name, or birthday. Texas issues days 1-15. California issues days 1-10. Florida issues days 1-28. Check your state-specific schedule on your state SNAP portal.

State SNAP portals →

Schedule: Late August through early June

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) + School Breakfast Program (SBP) operate during the academic year. Free meals for households at or below 130% FPL, reduced-price for 130-185% FPL. Many districts use Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for universal-free meals.

Find school meal sites →

Schedule: Late May through August

USDA program feeding kids 18 and under during school summer break. No application, no enrollment, no income check — any kid can show up at a participating site. ~29,000 sites nationally. State-administered, with sites typically opening when school lets out (early June in most states; late May in southern states; mid-June in northern + Alaska).

Find summer meal sites →

Schedule: Pregnant: every 6 months; postpartum: 6-12 months; children: every 6-12 months

WIC participants must re-certify periodically to maintain benefits. Pregnant participants typically re-certify mid-pregnancy + after birth. Postpartum (non-breastfeeding) re-cert at 6 months. Postpartum (breastfeeding) re-cert at 12 months. Children re-cert every 6 months until age 5.

Find WIC clinics →

Schedule: Monthly at most pantries; some weekly

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) commodity foods are distributed at participating pantries. Most pantries distribute monthly; some weekly. State-specific eligibility checks apply (typically 130-185% FPL or categorical via SNAP/TANF/SSI/LIHEAP).

TEFAP details →

Schedule: Monthly — typically 2nd or 3rd week of month

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides a monthly food box for seniors aged 60+ at or below 130% FPL. Distributed through food banks and senior centers in participating states. Box typically includes UHT milk, cereal, juice, beans, peanut butter, canned protein, fruits + vegetables.

CSFP details →

Schedule: June through October

USDA program providing low-income seniors aged 60+ with vouchers redeemable at farmers markets, roadside stands, and CSAs. Voucher value typically $20-50/year per participant. Distributed through state agencies on aging.

Senior food help →

Schedule: June through October

USDA program providing WIC participants with vouchers for fresh produce at farmers markets. Voucher value typically $20-30/year per participant. Operates seasonally during the farmers-market season.

Apply for WIC →

Schedule: Ad hoc — activated after FEMA disaster declarations

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is activated after a federal disaster declaration with the Individual Household program. More generous eligibility than regular SNAP — even households who do not normally qualify can get D-SNAP if disaster-affected. Application window typically 7-14 days after activation.

Active disasters →

Schedule: April 15, 2026

Donations to Feed America (a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 92-1761881) are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by IRS Section 170. To claim a deduction on the 2026 tax year, the gift must be postmarked or processed by December 31, 2025. Tax filing for 2025 taxes due April 15, 2026.

Donate before year-end →

Schedule: October 1 each year

USDA adjusts SNAP maximum benefit + standard deductions on October 1 of each year, based on the June Thrifty Food Plan inflation calculation. Beneficiaries see updated benefit amounts in their October issuance.

SNAP guide →

Schedule: Periodic — varies by state

State WIC agencies update their approved food lists periodically (typically annually). Participants should check with their local clinic for current product approvals.

Apply for WIC →

Feed America. (2026). Federal Food-Assistance Calendar.
feedam.org/calendar. Retrieved 2026-04-29.