Which program provides food distribution at no cost to individuals in need?

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is designed specifically to provide food distribution at no cost to individuals who are experiencing food insecurity. This federal program works in collaboration with state agencies and local organizations to distribute nutritious food to those in need, including low-income families and individuals living in poverty. TEFAP supplies recipient agencies with food and helps ensure that these food resources are made available free of charge to those who qualify, making it a critical component of the food assistance network in the United States.

In contrast, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a benefit for purchasing food but does not directly distribute food itself. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) offers supplemental nutrition but is focused on specific populations, such as pregnant women and young children, rather than broadly distributing food at no cost. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) involves the purchase of shares in a farm's harvest, which is typically not free and requires upfront payment from members.