Getting Started
If you're struggling to access nutritious foods, this guide will help you connect with local programs and resources designed to support you and your family.
Government Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP provides monthly food benefits to low-income families, helping them purchase healthy groceries. Participants can use their SNAP EBT cards at participating stores.
Resources
How to Apply for SNAP SNAP Application Assistance
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
WIC offers:
- Supplemental foods
- Health care referrals
- Nutrition education
For pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. If you're already receiving SNAP benefits, you may automatically qualify for WIC.
WIC Information and Application
Local Food Banks and Distribution Programs
Second Harvest Food Bank
Second Harvest offers an expansive food distribution program, community kitchen meal service, nutrition education, and public benefits assistance. Find out more about Second Harvest and their programs below.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Top Box Foods
Provides:
- Healthy, affordable food delivery
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- High-quality meats and seafood
- SNAP benefits accepted with dollar-for-dollar matching
Top Box Foods
Sankofa CDC
Operates the Sankofa Lower Nine Fresh Food Pantry at 5200 Dauphine Street, offering three food assistance programs to help households access nutritious meals.
Sankofa CDC
Culture AID NOLA
A no-barrier food distribution program that provides free groceries with:
- No identification requirements
- No income verification
- Wednesday distributions at 6 PM (Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church)
- Saturday distributions at 9 AM (Corpus Christi-Epiphany Church)
Culture Aid NOLA
Nutrition Education
LSU AgCenter
Provides nutrition education through:
- Expanded Food and Nutrition Extension Program (EFNEP)
- Flavors of Health
- SNAP-Ed
The LSU AgCenter provides individuals and families with valuable information aimed at improving economic conditions, general wellness and quality of life. They provide nutrition education through the Expanded Food and Nutrition Extension Program (EFNEP), Flavors of Health, and SNAP-Ed.
EFNEP Flavors of Health SNAP-Ed
Local Markets
Crescent City Farmers Market
Operated by Market Umbrella, offering:
- Market Match program (doubles SNAP benefit value)
- Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for seniors and WIC recipients
Hours and Locations Market Match FMNP