Food Programs and Your Rights: A Guide for Immigrant Families

This factsheet provides straightforward guidance on families’ rights to food and nutrition programs, the types of programs available, and eligibility requirements. The flier includes QR codes to guide readers to more program information. 

Overview:

• Access to nutritious food is linked to good health, especially for children. There is no harm in seeing if you or members of your family are eligible for food programs.
• Many food programs look at your household income to see if you are eligible. Most programs don’t ask about anyone’s immigration status.
• SNAP, sometimes called food stamps, is only available to U.S. citizens, green-card holders, and certain other immigrants. Even if you are not eligible because of your status, others in your family may be. To apply for eligible family members, mark yourself as a "non-applicant" on forms.
• For most programs, you can ask for an interpreter or phone translator to make sure you get the best service when you apply for a benefit.
• Each food assistance program has its own application requirements.