The Hunger Crisis

Help For the Hungry

If you're struggling, or know someone who is, get assistance. "Don't try to hide it, because you're not alone -- food stamps help feed one in seven people today," says Dr. Mariana Chilton. Now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the government-funded program provides qualifying households with a card, accepted at most grocery stores, to purchase food (www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns). More useful programs:

• CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP) A federally funded program that feeds 3.2 million children and 112,000 adults daily at day-care programs and shelters across the country. www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm
• THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC) Provides federal grants for supplemental food, infant formula, health-care referrals, and nutrition education to low-income pregnant women, new moms, and kids up to age 5. www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/
• SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM A federal program that provides children with nutritionally balanced, free or reduced-price breakfasts and lunches in schools. www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/
• FOOD PANTRIES offer canned and dry goods and sometimes even fresh produce, meat, and dairy, and staples including diapers. feedingamerica.org