The Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of income eligible individuals and households by providing them with USDA foods at no cost. 

TEFAP foods are distributed in every Michigan county through community action agencies, food banks, pantries, and mobile distributions, to name a few.

USDA foods distributed through TEFAP include canned, frozen, dried, and fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, nuts, milk and cheese, and whole-grain and enriched grain products including rice, cereal, and pasta.

TEFAP Eligibility

TEFAP eligibility is based on income and residency. Households must meet the current income guidelines and reside in Michigan.

Income and Categorical Eligibility

• Michigan uses of 300% of the federal poverty guidelines for income eligibility.See the chart below for Michigan’s income guidelines.
• Michigan also allows for current participation in the
  • Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
  • Supplemental Food Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Student with an approved free or reduced-price school meals application.

Residency Requirement

Participants must currently reside in Michigan.

Eligibility for TEFAP is self-declared by the participant. You do not need ID or proof of income. At each distribution you will be required to provide your name, the current State in which you live, how many people reside in the household, and how you are eligible.

Current Michigan TEFAP Income Guidelines

Updated December 2024

List of Agencies Distribution TEFAP in Michigan

Where can I get TEFAP in my County?

TEFAP Sites Interactive Map

USDA's TEFAP Webpage

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.