Virginia's official online portal for applying to SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, FAMIS, and other state benefits in a single application. Check eligibility, submit applications, upload documents, and manage existing cases online at any time. Creating an account allows you to track your application status and receive notifications. For phone assistance call 1-855-635-4370. Bring Social Security numbers, income information, and household documentation to complete your application efficiently.
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 Virginia
Virginia has Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts handling custody, visitation, and child support (for unmarried parents and modifications), plus Circuit Courts handling divorce. The Division of Child Support Enforcement operates under DSS. Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria are the largest cities. Central Virginia Legal Aid, Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia, and other regional LSC programs cover the state.
More Food Assistance in Virginia
Virginia SNAP — Virginia's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helping eligible low-income residents purchase healthy food at grocery stores and farme
Virginia WIC Program — Provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and supplemental food benefits to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children un
Feeding America Virginia — Network of seven Feeding America member food banks covering all of Virginia, distributing food through thousands of partner agencies includi
Capital Area Food Bank (Northern VA) — Serves Northern Virginia with food distribution through 450+ partner agencies including food pantries, meal programs, and community organiza
Feed More (Richmond) — Central Virginia's core hunger relief organization serving 34 counties and cities through food bank distribution, Meals on Wheels, a communi
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia (Norfolk) — Serves the Hampton Roads region and Eastern Shore through 300+ partner agencies providing food bank distribution, mobile pantry programs, an
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.