Louisiana Anti-Hunger Coalition · TEFAP
Good food.
A little more support.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides free USDA foods to eligible Louisiana households through food banks and participating local pantries.
Start with your local food bank or pantry. Ask whether it distributes TEFAP foods and how to sign up.
Food for your household
Nutritious foods. No cost to you.
TEFAP is a federal food program overseen in Louisiana by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry (https://www.ldaf.la.gov/food/distribution-assistance). Regional food banks supply participating pantries that serve neighbors in their communities.
Fruits & vegetables
Canned, frozen, dried, and fresh items may be available.
Protein foods
Items may include beans, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or peanut butter.
Grains & dairy
Rice, pasta, cereal, milk, and cheese are examples of foods offered through the program.
Food varies by location and distribution. Examples are not a guaranteed food package. Ask your pantry about its schedule, available foods, and any dietary concerns.
Louisiana household eligibility
Could your household qualify?
For food to take home, Louisiana’s application asks you to certify parish residency and qualify through household income or a listed assistance program.
Live in the service area
Apply through an agency serving your parish. Ask the local food bank which participating pantry serves your address.
Meet income guidelines
The application uses the combined gross income of household members. Gross income means income before taxes and deductions.
Or receive listed assistance
The state application lists TANF, FITAP, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as another way to qualify.
You do not have to receive SNAP to ask about TEFAP. The local agency reviews your application using current Louisiana rules.
2026–2027 income chart
Start with your household size.
These figures are the 185% federal poverty guidelines published in the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana’s 2026–2027 TEFAP materials. Compare your household’s gross income with the chart, then confirm eligibility with your participating pantry.
| People in household | Monthly income | Annual income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,461 | $29,526 |
| 2 | $3,337 | $40,034 |
| 3 | $4,212 | $50,542 |
| 4 | $5,088 | $61,050 |
| 5 | $5,964 | $71,558 |
| 6 | $6,839 | $82,066 |
| 7 | $7,715 | $92,574 |
| 8 | $8,591 | $103,082 |
| Each additional person | Add $876 | Add $10,508 |
Monthly figures are rounded as published. Use the income period that fits your situation and ask the pantry about irregular income. Guidelines change; this chart was reviewed October 27, 2026.
View the published 2026–2027 income chart (PDF)Not sure you qualify? Ask before ruling yourself out. A listed assistance program may provide another eligibility route, and the food bank may know of other food resources.
Your next step
How to sign up for TEFAP food.
Locate a participating pantry
Use Feeding Louisiana’s food bank directory. Ask for a TEFAP pantry serving your parish and confirm its next distribution.
Check before you visit
Ask about registration, appointment times, and any information or documents needed. Have your household size and income information ready.
Complete the application
Complete and sign the eligibility form with the participating agency. The agency must approve it and keep it on file before you receive USDA foods.
Downloading a form or visiting this page does not enroll your household. Ask the pantry how to submit your information. Do not send completed forms to the coalition.
Know what to expect
A few important program rules.
- Use one TEFAP pantry. Louisiana’s form limits USDA food pickup to one pantry. Ask your agency before switching sites.
- Use the food for your household. TEFAP food is for household consumption.
- Keep your information accurate. Report income or household-size changes that affect eligibility. Cooperate if selected for verification.
- Keep enrollment current. Ask your pantry when to renew. The state form identifies June 30 as the annual expiration date and allows signed renewals.
- Need someone to pick up food? Ask about naming an authorized representative.
Your rights matter. Participation in religious activities cannot be required to receive TEFAP food. Ask for language assistance or disability accommodations when needed.
Read https://www.ldaf.la.gov/food/distribution-assistance’s civil rights and complaint information
Louisiana’s food bank network
Local help starts here.
Food banks can connect you with a nearby participating pantry. Contact the pantry before traveling; hours, registration, and food availability vary.
Find Food Through Feeding LouisianaCommon questions.
Is TEFAP the same as SNAP?
No. TEFAP provides food through participating agencies. SNAP provides grocery benefits through an EBT card. You can ask about TEFAP even if you do not receive SNAP.
Is this only for older adults?
No. TEFAP household eligibility is based on the program’s requirements, rather than being limited to seniors. The senior food box program, CSFP, is a separate program.
Do I need to wait for a disaster?
No. TEFAP operates beyond disaster response. Ask about your local pantry’s regular distribution schedule.
How often can I receive food?
Ask your participating pantry about its schedule and pickup rules. This page does not guarantee a particular amount of food or number of visits.
What if I need a prepared meal rather than groceries?
USDA treats TEFAP prepared-meal service differently: recipients of prepared meals are not subject to an income test. Ask your food bank about meal sites and other immediate food resources.
What if I have questions about the form or my eligibility?
Ask the participating pantry or its regional food bank to explain the current application and any questions about your circumstances. You can also consult https://www.ldaf.la.gov/food/distribution-assistance’s TEFAP resources.
Food support close to home
Find a pantry.
Ask about TEFAP.
Your regional food bank can help you find the right place to start.
Find Food Near You