Key Takeaways
- TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) distributes over $900M in USDA-purchased commodities plus administrative funds to state agencies, which pass food and dollars to food banks
- Food pantries and soup kitchens do not apply to TEFAP directly — they become eligible agencies through their state's food bank network
- USDA Community Facilities grants can fund food bank facilities, refrigeration equipment, and food distribution infrastructure — awards up to $500K for essential community facilities
- SNAP-Ed grants fund nutrition education at food banks and community organizations — up to $2M/year for state-level programs
- HHS Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds local anti-poverty organizations that often include food pantry operations — access through your state's community action agency
TEFAP: The Emergency Food Assistance Program
TEFAP (CFDA: 10.569) is the primary federal program supporting food banks and emergency food providers. USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) purchases USDA commodities and distributes them to states based on the number of unemployed and below-poverty persons. States then allocate food and administrative funds to food banks (typically Feeding America member food banks), which distribute to local pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.
How the Distribution Chain Works
- USDA FNS → purchases commodities (canned goods, proteins, dairy, produce) and sends to states
- State agency (usually state department of agriculture) → distributes to food banks
- Food banks (Feeding America network, regional food banks) → distribute to local eligible agencies
- Local pantries, soup kitchens, shelters → provide food directly to households
To become a TEFAP-eligible agency: contact your regional food bank (find at feedingamerica.org) and apply to become a partner agency. Requirements include 501(c)(3) status, adequate storage, and serving eligible low-income individuals.
USDA Community Facilities Grants for Food Infrastructure
USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities grant program (CFDA: 10.766) can fund physical infrastructure for food banks and food distribution organizations in rural areas. Eligible uses:
- Construction or renovation of food bank warehouse or distribution facility
- Commercial refrigeration and freezer units for fresh/frozen food storage
- Food rescue vehicles for gleaning and transportation
- Cold chain infrastructure for produce distribution
Grant amounts: up to $500K (grant); additional funding available as loans. Eligibility: nonprofits, public bodies, and federally recognized tribes in rural areas (population under 20,000 for highest priority). Apply through USDA Rural Development state offices.
CSFP: Commodity Supplemental Food Program
CSFP (CFDA: 10.565) provides monthly food packages to low-income seniors aged 60 and older — $320M annually in USDA commodity foods. Food banks and state agencies operate CSFP distribution sites. To establish a new CSFP site or expand an existing one: contact your state's administering agency (typically the state department of agriculture or health) — funding is allocated to states and distributed to local operators.
SNAP-Ed: Nutrition Education Funding
SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed, CFDA: 10.561) funds nutrition education and obesity prevention activities for SNAP-eligible populations. States receive SNAP-Ed allocations and issue competitive contracts/grants to eligible organizations. Food banks that provide nutrition education alongside food distribution are strong SNAP-Ed candidates. Annual funding nationally: ~$500M. Typical sub-award: $100K–$2M for state-level or regional programs. Apply to your state's SNAP agency.
HHS Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
CSBG (CFDA: 93.569) funds Community Action Agencies (CAAs) — the 1,000+ anti-poverty nonprofits operating in every state. Many CAAs operate food pantries as part of their emergency services, and CSBG funds can support those operations. To access CSBG funding: contact your local Community Action Agency (find at communityactionpartnership.com) and ask about partnership or sub-contract opportunities for food security programming.
Action Checklist for Food Banks & Pantries
- Food pantries: Contact your regional Feeding America food bank to become a TEFAP partner agency — this is the fastest path to USDA commodity foods
- Food banks: Review USDA Community Facilities program with your USDA Rural Development state office for infrastructure grants
- Organizations offering nutrition education: Contact your state SNAP agency about SNAP-Ed sub-award opportunities — applications typically open annually
- Senior-serving organizations: Contact your state food bank or state agriculture department about CSFP distribution site application
- Register in SAM.gov and maintain your 501(c)(3) documentation — required for any direct federal application
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Frequently Asked Questions
What federal programs fund food banks?
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) supplies USDA commodities and administrative funds through state agencies. FEMA's Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds local hunger relief, and USDA Community Food Projects grants ($10,000 to $400,000) fund food security initiatives.
Can small food pantries get grants, or only large food banks?
Small pantries typically access funds as partner agencies of their regional Feeding America food bank, through EFSP local boards, and from community foundations and corporate giving (grocery chains are major funders). Direct federal grants usually require more administrative capacity.
What is the USDA Community Food Projects program?
CFP funds nonprofit-led projects that fight food insecurity while building community self-reliance — community gardens, food hubs, gleaning programs, farm-to-pantry networks. Grants require dollar-for-dollar matching and run one to four years.
What outcomes do hunger-relief funders want to see?
Pounds of food distributed, household and individual counts served, and increasingly nutrition quality metrics and client choice models. Funders also favor programs addressing root causes — SNAP enrollment assistance, workforce ties, and partnerships with health systems.