Food Assistance for Asylum Seekers

There are different programs across the United States that help people get food when they cannot afford to buy it. Some are government programs, and some are not. The support you can receive is different depending on your immigration status and where you live. Getting food assistance should not affect your asylum case, but might affect other immigration applications.

General food assistance

• In many locations across the United States, you can find help getting food through programs such as nonprofit organizations, community groups, and religious institutions. These programs are sometimes called food banks, food pantries, or soup kitchens and are generally not managed by the government.

• Visit this page or this page to search for food assistance near you!

• Can asylum seekers use these services? Probably. In general, food pantries and similar services are available to anyone in need. Each place is different and you should be able to call or check online to learn about the specific requirements.

Help for mothers, infants, and children

• The U.S. government has a national program called the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (“WIC”). This program helps pregnant women, breastfeeding women, babies, and children under age 5 access food.

• Many public schools also offer free or low-cost meals to children in school.

• Can asylum seekers apply for WIC? Yes, in most states. You can apply for WIC regardless of your immigration status. Visit this government website to learn whether you might be eligible for WIC.

• Can asylum seekers apply for free or low cost school meals? Yes. You can apply for free or low-cost meals for your children in public school regardless of your family’s immigration status. Some states also have a program called Summer EBT or “SUN Bucks” that gives families money to buy food for school-aged children during the summer, when school meals are not available.

Food stamps

• The U.S. government has a national program called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”), which is also known as “EBT,” or “food stamps.” This program helps people buy food if they cannot afford it. Some U.S. states also have similar programs managed by the state.

• Can asylum seekers apply for national SNAP? Generally, no. Asylum seekers are not eligible for food stamps through the national SNAP program. You can learn more about the specific rules on this government website. However, if you have U.S. citizen children, you may be able to receive benefits on their behalf. Please note that if you apply for benefits through U.S. citizen children, your personal information could be shared with immigration agencies. However, immigration agencies may already have your information, for example, if you have a pending case in immigration court or with USCIS.

• Can people who won asylum get SNAP? Not right away. In 2025, a new law changed the rules. People who win asylum can no longer get SNAP until they become permanent residents (get a green card). Some people may also have to wait longer after they get a green card.

• Can asylum seekers apply for state programs similar to SNAP? Most states also do not allow asylum seekers to apply for food stamps, unless they also have a different immigration status. However, some asylum seekers who live in the state of Washington can apply for food stamps through their state program.

Other Topics

Click on the links below to learn more about:

• Driver’s Licenses

• School

• Health Care

• Other Government Benefits