USDA Emergency Food Assistance

Through our partnership with Foodlink, we are able to share a variety of nutritious, high-quality foods from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

USDA Emergency Food Assistance food bags are distributed in San Benito County once per month at various locations.

See USDA Distribution Locations and Schedule

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps provide supplemental food to those who need it.

Need food?

San Benito County residents can call our office for questions and sign-up: (831) 637-0340

What kind of food does the USDA supply?

The types of foods USDA supplies vary depending on availability and on agricultural market conditions. More than 120 nutritious, high-quality products are available. Products include: canned, frozen, dried, and fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, nuts, milk and cheese, and whole-grain and enriched grain products including rice, cereal, and pasta.

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In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g.Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally,program information may be made available in languages other than English.To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination ComplaintForm, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.