TEFAP — The Emergency Food Assistance Program
TEFAP is the USDA federal program that funds the commodity food distributed at most local food pantries. If you're at the pantry getting USDA-labeled cans, that's TEFAP.
What TEFAP is
USDA buys agricultural commodities (canned vegetables, fruit, lean protein, dairy, grains, peanut butter) and gives them to states. States distribute through food banks, which pass them to local pantries, soup kitchens, mobile pantry sites, and community organizations. Recipients receive USDA commodity items at no cost as part of the regular pantry distribution.
Who qualifies
Eligibility varies by state. Most use these rules:
- Income limit: Typically 130-185% of the federal poverty level (varies by state)
- Documentation: Most states accept a brief self-declaration of household income; some require ID or proof of address
- Categorical eligibility: SNAP, TANF, SSI, or LIHEAP recipients are usually automatically eligible — no income check
- Frequency: Usually monthly distributions; some pantries weekly
How to find TEFAP pantries
- Search feedam.org — most listed food pantries are TEFAP-affiliated. Search by ZIP code →
- Call 211 — free, 24/7. The dispatcher can route you to a TEFAP pantry open today
- Your state's TEFAP agency — usually the state Department of Agriculture or Department of Health publishes a TEFAP distribution schedule
What you'll get
USDA commodity items rotate quarterly but typically include:
- Canned vegetables (corn, green beans, mixed vegetables, pumpkin)
- Canned fruit (peaches, applesauce, mixed fruit)
- Lean protein (canned tuna, chicken, beef)
- Dairy (UHT shelf-stable milk, cheese)
- Grains (rice, pasta, breakfast cereal)
- Peanut butter
- Sometimes fresh produce (eggs, dried beans)
The exact mix depends on what USDA has in its commodity portfolio that quarter and what your state pantry stocks alongside it.
TEFAP vs. SNAP
| TEFAP | SNAP | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | Direct food at a pantry | EBT card for grocery stores |
| Application | Brief check at pantry, same day | Formal application, 30-day decision |
| Income limit | 130-185% FPL (varies by state) | 130% FPL gross / 100% FPL net |
| Frequency | Usually monthly | Monthly EBT load |
| Where | Local food pantry | Any SNAP-accepting retailer (130K+) |
Many people qualify for and use both.
Frequently asked questions
What is TEFAP?
The federal program that supplies commodity food to local pantries via the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Who qualifies?
Typically households at 130-185% of federal poverty (varies by state). SNAP/TANF/SSI recipients are usually automatically eligible.
How do I find a TEFAP pantry?
Search feedam.org or call 211 — most local pantries distribute TEFAP commodity foods.
How is TEFAP different from SNAP?
TEFAP is direct commodity food at pantries; SNAP is a monthly EBT card for grocery stores. Different programs, often used together.