TEFAP Explained: How The Emergency Food Assistance Program Works
Top TLDR:
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides free USDA commodity foods to low-income individuals through local food pantries and meal programs nationwide. TEFAP supplies nutritious staples like canned vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy products to participating distribution sites at no cost to recipients. Contact your local food bank or use the Food Security Network to find TEFAP providers near you and access these essential food resources today.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program, commonly known as TEFAP, represents one of the most significant federal investments in emergency food distribution. While you may have received food from a local pantry without realizing it came through TEFAP, understanding how this program works helps you better navigate the food assistance landscape and access the resources available to you.
What Is TEFAP?
The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a federally funded program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides commodity foods to states for distribution to local food banks, pantries, and meal programs. These organizations then make the food available to low-income households at no cost.
TEFAP was established in 1981 as a temporary measure to reduce federal food inventories and provide nutrition assistance to low-income Americans. What began as an emergency response became a permanent program in 1988, recognizing the ongoing need for federal support in addressing food insecurity.
Today, TEFAP provides hundreds of millions of pounds of food annually to eligible households across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. The program serves as a crucial safety net, supplementing the food budgets of millions of families each year.
How TEFAP Works: The Distribution Chain
Understanding TEFAP's structure helps demystify where your local food pantry gets its supplies and how federal programs support community-based food assistance.
Federal Level: USDA Procurement
The USDA purchases food for TEFAP through two primary mechanisms. First, they buy surplus agricultural products directly from American farmers and food producers, which helps stabilize agricultural markets while providing nutritious food for distribution. Second, they purchase additional foods specifically to meet nutritional needs and program requirements.
TEFAP foods must meet strict quality and nutrition standards. The USDA prioritizes purchasing items that provide essential nutrients and align with dietary guidelines, including proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
State Level: Distribution to Food Banks
Each state receives an allocation of TEFAP commodities based on a formula that considers the state's population of low-income and unemployed individuals. State agencies—typically the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, or another designated agency—receive these commodities and distribute them to regional food banks throughout the state.
States also receive TEFAP administrative funds to help cover the costs of storing, transporting, and distributing commodities. However, these administrative funds often don't fully cover all costs, which is why food banks also rely on private donations and fundraising.
Local Level: Food Banks and Pantries
Regional food banks receive TEFAP commodities from the state and then distribute them to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency feeding organizations throughout their service areas. These local agencies are the points where individuals and families can actually access TEFAP foods.
When you visit a food pantry in your community, some or all of the food you receive may come from TEFAP. Pantries typically supplement TEFAP commodities with food purchased through their regional food bank, items donated by community members and businesses, and food rescued from retail sources.
TEFAP Eligibility Requirements
One of the most common questions about TEFAP is who qualifies to receive assistance. The answer is more straightforward than many people expect, though specific requirements vary by state.
Income Guidelines
TEFAP serves households with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. To put this in perspective, for 2026, this means:
Household of 1: Annual income up to approximately $29,160
Household of 2: Annual income up to approximately $39,440
Household of 3: Annual income up to approximately $49,720
Household of 4: Annual income up to approximately $60,000
These are approximate figures and may be adjusted annually. The threshold is relatively generous compared to some other assistance programs, meaning many working families qualify for TEFAP even if they don't qualify for programs with stricter income limits.
Alternate Eligibility Pathways
Many states have simplified TEFAP eligibility by allowing "categorical eligibility." This means if you already participate in certain programs, you're automatically eligible for TEFAP without providing additional income verification:
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Medicaid
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Other state-designated assistance programs
If you receive benefits from any of these programs, you can typically show your benefits card or letter as proof of TEFAP eligibility without providing separate income documentation.
How Verification Works
Different states and local agencies implement TEFAP eligibility verification differently. Some require documentation during your first visit, while others use self-declaration systems where you simply state that you meet the income requirements.
Many pantries use a simplified one-page form that asks about your household size, income, and whether you participate in other assistance programs. This process is designed to be quick and non-invasive, recognizing that people seeking food assistance are often facing urgent needs.
Importantly, eligibility verification for TEFAP should never feel like an interrogation. If you're treated disrespectfully during the intake process, this doesn't reflect the program's values. Kelly's Kitchen believes that food access should be accompanied by dignity and respect for all individuals.
Types of Food Available Through TEFAP
TEFAP provides a wide variety of nutritious foods, though exact offerings vary by season, region, and availability.
Proteins
TEFAP regularly includes protein-rich foods such as:
Canned chicken, turkey, and tuna
Canned or dried beans and legumes
Peanut butter
Frozen meats when storage capacity allows
Eggs (distributed by some pantries with refrigeration)
Grains
Whole grain and enriched grain products commonly available include:
Pasta
Rice
Oatmeal and other hot cereals
Ready-to-eat cereals
Flour and cornmeal
Fruits and Vegetables
TEFAP emphasizes fruit and vegetable distribution through:
Canned fruits packed in juice or light syrup
Canned vegetables (low-sodium options when available)
Frozen fruits and vegetables
Fresh produce through TEFAP Fresh option
Canned tomato products
100% fruit and vegetable juices
Dairy Products
When refrigeration and freezer capacity permit, TEFAP includes:
Shelf-stable milk
Canned evaporated milk
Cheese
Yogurt
Other Staples
Additional items frequently distributed include:
Vegetable oil
Canned soups and stews
Tomato sauce and paste
Salsa
Infant formula and baby food
The specific items available at your local pantry will vary based on what commodities were allocated to your state, what your regional food bank ordered, and the storage capacity of individual distribution sites.
TEFAP Fresh: Expanding Access to Produce
Recognizing that fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for good nutrition but often expensive and difficult for food banks to source, USDA created TEFAP Fresh in 2020. This initiative specifically allocates funding for the purchase and distribution of fresh produce.
TEFAP Fresh allows states to purchase locally or regionally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, supporting both nutrition access and local agricultural economies. Many community organizations now receive regular deliveries of fresh produce through TEFAP Fresh, dramatically improving the nutritional quality of emergency food assistance.
In areas like Western North Carolina, TEFAP Fresh has created opportunities to source food from local farms, keeping food dollars in the regional economy while providing fresher, more culturally appropriate produce to community members in need.
Finding TEFAP Providers Near You
Accessing TEFAP foods requires connecting with a local distribution site. Here's how to find TEFAP providers in your area:
Contact Your Regional Food Bank
Every region has a food bank that distributes TEFAP commodities. These food banks maintain updated lists of all partner agencies that distribute TEFAP foods directly to the public. A simple phone call to your regional food bank can connect you with multiple nearby options.
Use Online Locator Tools
Several national resources help locate TEFAP providers:
Feeding America's food bank locator (FeedingAmerica.org)
State Department of Agriculture websites (many maintain TEFAP provider lists)
211 information and referral service
Kelly's Kitchen's Food Security Network, which maps food assistance resources with details about accessibility and services
Ask at Community Centers
Libraries, health departments, social service offices, and community centers typically have information about local TEFAP providers. Staff at these locations can point you to the nearest food pantries and may even have printed schedules and maps.
Connect with Local Organizations
Community action agencies, churches, senior centers, and disability services organizations often know about TEFAP distribution sites in their service areas. If you're already connected with any social service providers, ask them about TEFAP access points.
What to Expect at a TEFAP Distribution Site
Understanding what happens when you visit a TEFAP provider helps reduce anxiety and ensures you're prepared for the process.
First Visit
Your first visit typically involves a brief registration process where you provide basic household information and verify eligibility. Bring identification and documentation of household size and income, or proof of participation in another assistance program if applicable.
However, if you don't have documentation with you, don't let that prevent you from going. Many pantries can work with you to complete verification over multiple visits, and emergency need often takes priority over paperwork.
Frequency of Distribution
TEFAP distribution schedules vary widely by location. Some pantries distribute TEFAP foods weekly, others monthly, and some on-demand based on availability. Your local provider will explain their specific schedule and any limits on how frequently you can receive assistance.
Quantity and Selection
The amount of food you receive depends on your household size and the pantry's current inventory. Some sites use a client choice model where you select items yourself, while others provide pre-packed boxes or bags. Both models aim to ensure equitable distribution while respecting individual preferences and dietary needs.
If you have dietary restrictions, food allergies, or cultural food preferences, communicate these to pantry staff. While they may not always have specialized items, many pantries work to accommodate specific needs when possible.
Additional Services
Many TEFAP distribution sites offer more than just food distribution. You may also find:
Information about SNAP and other benefits programs
Referrals to other community resources
Health screenings or nutrition education
Connection to employment services
Assistance with benefits applications
These wraparound services recognize that food insecurity rarely exists in isolation and that addressing related challenges helps build long-term stability.
TEFAP and Other Food Assistance Programs
TEFAP works alongside other nutrition assistance programs to create a comprehensive safety net. Understanding how these programs interact helps you access all available resources.
TEFAP and SNAP
TEFAP and SNAP (commonly called food stamps) serve complementary roles. SNAP provides monthly benefits that allow you to purchase food at grocery stores, giving you choice and flexibility. TEFAP provides supplemental free food through pantries, extending your food budget further.
You can receive both SNAP and TEFAP simultaneously—in fact, SNAP participation often automatically qualifies you for TEFAP. Using both programs together provides more food security than relying on either alone.
TEFAP and School Meals
Families receiving TEFAP foods often also have children participating in free or reduced-price school meal programs. These programs ensure kids receive nutritious breakfasts and lunches during the school year, while TEFAP helps fill gaps during evenings, weekends, and school breaks.
TEFAP and WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides specific nutritious foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five. WIC benefits can be used alongside TEFAP, providing additional nutritional support for vulnerable family members.
TEFAP and Senior Nutrition Programs
Seniors who participate in Meals on Wheels, congregate meal programs, or USDA's Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) can also receive TEFAP foods. These programs address different aspects of senior nutrition, and using multiple programs ensures adequate food access.
How TEFAP Has Evolved
TEFAP has undergone significant changes since its creation, adapting to better serve communities and respond to increased understanding of nutrition and food access.
COVID-19 Pandemic Adaptations
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased demand for emergency food assistance while simultaneously making traditional distribution methods unsafe. TEFAP providers rapidly innovated, implementing:
Drive-through and contactless pickup systems
Home delivery for high-risk individuals
Pre-boxed distributions to reduce contact time
Expanded distribution hours and locations
Many of these adaptations have become permanent improvements, making TEFAP more accessible to people with disabilities, those without transportation, and working families.
Disaster Response
When natural disasters strike, TEFAP plays a crucial role in emergency food distribution. Following hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires, and other disasters, USDA can quickly increase TEFAP allocations to affected states and authorize emergency distributions without standard eligibility verification.
Communities throughout Western North Carolina experienced this firsthand after Hurricane Helene, when TEFAP resources supplemented local emergency response efforts to ensure that displaced families and those without power could access food during the recovery period.
Nutrition Improvements
TEFAP has gradually shifted toward providing more nutritious foods. Recent changes include:
Increased distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables through TEFAP Fresh
More whole grain options
Low-sodium canned vegetables
Reduced sugar in fruit products
Healthier oils and fats
These improvements reflect evolving understanding of nutrition science and commitment to ensuring that emergency food assistance supports long-term health.
Challenges Facing TEFAP
While TEFAP provides critical support, the program faces several ongoing challenges that affect its effectiveness.
Insufficient Funding
TEFAP funding has not kept pace with food costs or increased demand for services. Food banks and pantries often must supplement TEFAP commodities with purchased food to meet community needs, placing additional strain on charitable resources.
Storage and Distribution Infrastructure
Many food pantries lack adequate refrigeration and freezer space to store fresh TEFAP products. This limits the types and quantities of nutritious foods they can distribute, particularly fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and frozen proteins.
Transportation Barriers
Getting food from regional food banks to local distribution sites requires significant transportation capacity. Many smaller pantries struggle with vehicle costs, gas prices, and volunteer driver availability.
Accessibility Issues
Not all TEFAP distribution sites are fully accessible to people with disabilities, despite legal requirements. Physical barriers, complicated sign-up processes, and lack of accommodations can prevent people who need food assistance most from accessing it.
Kelly's Kitchen specifically addresses these accessibility gaps by centering disability justice in food assistance programming and advocating for universal design in emergency food distribution.
Supporting TEFAP in Your Community
While TEFAP is a federal program, it depends heavily on community support to function effectively. Here are ways to strengthen TEFAP in your area:
Volunteer at Distribution Sites
Local food pantries that distribute TEFAP foods rely on volunteers to sort commodities, organize inventory, staff distribution days, and assist clients. Your time can directly increase the capacity of TEFAP providers to serve more people.
Donate to Food Banks and Pantries
Financial donations help food banks cover administrative costs not fully reimbursed by TEFAP, purchase supplemental food, invest in infrastructure improvements, and expand services. Even modest donations make a difference.
Advocate for TEFAP Funding
Contact your congressional representatives to express support for robust TEFAP funding in the federal budget. TEFAP funding levels are determined through the annual appropriations process, and constituent voices influence these decisions.
Raise Awareness
Many people who qualify for TEFAP don't know the program exists or how to access it. Sharing information about TEFAP and local distribution sites through social media, community networks, and word-of-mouth helps connect people with available resources.
Support Infrastructure Improvements
If local pantries need refrigeration, transportation, or facility upgrades to better distribute TEFAP foods, consider organizing fundraising efforts or connecting them with grants and resources for capital improvements.
TEFAP's Role in Food Security
TEFAP fills a critical gap in the food security landscape, but it's important to understand both its strengths and limitations.
What TEFAP Does Well
TEFAP excels at providing consistent, reliable access to shelf-stable staple foods through a vast network of community-based distribution sites. The program reaches millions of households annually, including many in rural areas with limited access to other services. TEFAP's structure—federal funding distributed through local organizations—combines government resources with community knowledge and relationships.
TEFAP's Limitations
TEFAP was never designed to provide complete nutritional needs. It functions as a supplement to household food budgets, not a replacement for adequate income, SNAP benefits, or other comprehensive solutions to food insecurity.
The emergency food system, including TEFAP, addresses symptoms of poverty and economic inequality rather than root causes. While TEFAP saves lives and reduces hardship, lasting food security requires systemic changes including living wages, affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and robust social safety net programs.
The Path Forward
Organizations like Kelly's Kitchen recognize that advancing food security requires both immediate assistance and long-term solutions. This means distributing TEFAP foods to meet urgent needs while simultaneously advocating for policies that address underlying causes of food insecurity.
It also means ensuring that food assistance programs, including TEFAP, operate with dignity, cultural competency, and accessibility at their core. Food security isn't just about having enough calories—it's about access to culturally appropriate, nutritious food delivered in ways that respect the humanity and autonomy of recipients.
Accessing TEFAP in Western North Carolina
Kelly's Kitchen serves communities throughout Western North Carolina, a region with significant food access challenges stemming from geographic isolation, limited public transportation, economic factors, and the ongoing impacts of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.
Many rural communities in the region rely heavily on TEFAP commodities distributed through local pantries and meal programs. The Food Security Network includes information about TEFAP providers throughout the area, with details about accessibility features, hours, and any special services offered.
If you're in Western North Carolina and need TEFAP assistance, contact Kelly's Kitchen at 843-534-3199 or kelly@kellys-kitchen.org for help connecting with local resources. We can provide information about distribution sites, assistance navigating the system, and support in addressing barriers you might face in accessing food assistance.
Conclusion
The Emergency Food Assistance Program represents a vital partnership between federal resources and community-based organizations, providing essential nutrition support to millions of low-income households. While TEFAP cannot solve food insecurity on its own, it offers critical help to families and individuals struggling to afford adequate food.
Understanding how TEFAP works—from USDA procurement through local distribution—helps you navigate the emergency food system more effectively. Whether you need TEFAP assistance now or want to support the program in your community, knowing the structure, eligibility requirements, and distribution process empowers you to take action.
Food is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. TEFAP acknowledges this truth by making nutritious food available to anyone whose income falls below defined thresholds, with minimal barriers and maximum respect for recipient dignity. If you qualify for TEFAP, using these resources allows you to allocate limited income toward other essential expenses like housing, healthcare, and transportation while ensuring your family has adequate nutrition.
Bottom TLDR:
TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) delivers free USDA commodity foods including proteins, grains, produce, and dairy to eligible households through a network of local food pantries and emergency feeding organizations. Households with incomes at or below 185% of poverty guidelines qualify, and most participants in SNAP, Medicaid, or other assistance programs are automatically eligible without additional verification. Find TEFAP distribution sites by calling 211, contacting your regional food bank, or searching the Food Security Network for local providers offering free food assistance.