If money is tight this holiday season, you are not alone, and help is out there. Many families use food programs at some point, especially during big life changes like a divorce. Here is where to start.
Call 211. In most of the United States, dialing 211 connects you to a free, confidential helpline that can point you to local food pantries, holiday meal programs, and help with rent and utilities. You can also search online at 211.org.
Find your local food bank. Food banks supply food pantries, churches and community programs in your area. Feeding America has a “Find Your Local Food Bank” search on its website, feedingamerica.org. Your local food bank can tell you which pantries are near you and whether they offer holiday meal boxes.
Check holiday meal programs early. Many churches, community centers, schools and local charities give out Thanksgiving and Christmas meals or groceries. These programs often have sign-up deadlines weeks before the holiday, so ask early.
Look into SNAP. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps families buy groceries every month. You can apply through your state’s social services office. Eligibility depends on your household size and income, and your local office can tell you if you qualify.
Ask your child’s school. Many schools offer free or reduced-price meals and can connect families with weekend or holiday food programs. School counselors are often a good source of local information.
Reach out to us. thejdfoundationforkids.org was created by JustDivorced.com to help single-parent families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you are a single parent who needs help, please contact us through our Contact Us page. Try to get your information to us early in the year so we can plan ahead and do our best to assist you.
How to ask. Asking for help can feel hard. It may help to remember that these programs exist so that families can get through tough times. Be ready to share basic information, such as how many people live in your home and your ZIP code. Most programs will treat your information privately.
Needing help is not a failure. It is a step toward taking care of your kids, and that is something to be proud of.