Food Assistance
If you need help buying food, there are programs in Washington State that can help.
The Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition tips, breastfeeding help and referrals to pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under the age of five. With WIC you can receive monthly checks for up to $50 to buy healthy foods at your local grocery store. (Getting WIC will not affect your immigration status.) WIC is an equal opportunity program. Learn more about WIC.
The Basic Food Program
The Basic Food Program (Food Stamps) helps families buy food with an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT). EBT cards work like debit cards. You can spend your monthly benefits in participating grocery stores. Call the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 to learn more about Basic Food.
Use our Benefit Finder to see if you qualify for Basic Food and apply online.
Food Banks
Food banks are another resource in your community. If you find yourself running out of food at the end of the month, or skipping meals so that your children will have enough to eat, you may want to visit your local food bank. Food banks provide groceries for immediate help in making ends meet. Call the Family Food Hotline at 1-888-436-6392 to find a food bank in your area.