There is a lot of misinformation about how citizenship impacts eligibility for nutrition programs and whether participating in a nutrition program will impact future immigration status. We want to make sure you have accurate information so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for most nutrition programs.
Learn more about nutrition programs below to find out which programs you are likely eligible for.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Link) helps individuals and families purchase groceries.
SNAP is the only nutrition program with a citizenship requirement. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP. Certain immigrants can enroll in SNAP if they meet income and work requirements and have a qualifying immigration status:
If you are eligible for SNAP, you can apply for yourself even if others in your household are not eligible because of their immigration status.
If you are not eligible for SNAP due to your immigration status, you can still apply on behalf of your children or others in your household who are eligible.
Applying for SNAP does not affect immigration status, although some people want to change that.
Food pantries provide groceries to individuals and families at a variety of community locations. Pantries do not have requirements for income or employment. Citizenship is not required to receive help from a food pantry, and they are not considered toward the public charge test.
WIC provides a package of nutritious foods specifically chosen to support the nutritional needs of pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children up to their fifth birthday. WIC also conducts health screenings and provides nutrition education and health referrals.
Citizenship is not required to participate in WIC, and WIC is not considered toward the public charge test.
The School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provide nutritious meals for free or at a reduced price to school-aged children when they are in school.
Citizenship is not required to participate in school meal programs, and school meal programs are not considered toward the public charge test.
The Afterschool Snack and Supper Program provides free meals and snacks for free to school-aged children after school, on weekends, and during school holidays.
Citizenship is not required to participate in the Afterschool Snack and Supper Program, and the Afterschool Snack and Supper Program is not considered toward the public charge test.
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals and snacks to children under 18 when school is out for the summer.
Citizenship is not required to participate in SFSP, and SFSP is not considered toward the public charge test
Summer EBT provides families with school-aged children with an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card to purchase groceries during the summer when school is out.
Citizenship is not required to participate in Summer EBT, and Summer EBT is not considered toward the public charge test.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides a package of nutritious foods specifically selected to support the nutritional needs of older adults, like cereal, rice, pasta, and canned fruits and vegetables. CSFP is only available in certain counties in Illinois.
Citizenship is not required to participate in CSFP, and CSFP is not considered toward the public charge test.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides checks to older adults to help them purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. SFMNP is only available in certain counties in Illinois.
Citizenship is not required to participate in SFMNP, and SFMNP is not considered toward the public charge test.
Older adult meal programs provide meals to older adults in group settings or for home delivery. Group settings include senior centers, churches, senior housing facilities, and community buildings. When older adults cannot leave their homes or cannot personally prepare nutritious meals, home delivered meals are an available option.
Citizenship is not required to participate in older adult meal programs, and older adult meal programs are not considered toward the public charge test.