Marion-Polk Food Share

About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Oregon

Oregon circuit courts handle family law in each of its 27 judicial districts. The Division of Child Support operates under the Department of Justice. Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, and Hillsboro are the largest metros. Legal Aid Services of Oregon is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid organization statewide.

More Food Assistance in Oregon

• Oregon Food Bank — Statewide hunger-relief organization distributing food through a network of 21 regional food banks and 1,400 partner sites across all 36 Ore
• SNAP Benefits – Oregon DHS — Oregon Department of Human Services administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, providing monthly food benefits on an EBT car
• FOOD for Lane County — Eugene-based regional food bank serving Lane County with emergency food boxes, dining rooms, produce plus programs, and partner pantries. Ca
• Feeding America – Oregon Partners — National Feeding America network includes several member food banks serving Oregon, coordinating large-scale food distribution to partner pa
• WIC Program – Oregon — Oregon WIC provides free nutrition counseling, healthy food benefits, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new moms, infants, and c
• Sunshine Division – Portland — Portland-area nonprofit providing free emergency food boxes and clothing for families and individuals in need, operating walk-in distributio

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?

Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.

Can I use a food bank without applying?

Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.

Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?

Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is summer food service?

USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.