No matter how many unpaid bills you may have, this should be your top priority if you have children: Making sure they’re fed. We’ll help you achieve that goal with this list of free food resources for kids.

Whether your kids are very young or in high school, they’re still growing, and that growth needs nourishment from daily meals that can be too expensive if you’re on a limited budget. 

Besides asking friends and family for help, you can turn to these resources that offer free food to those who need it most.

1. WIC

This food assistance program from the government offers help to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, plus infants and children up to age five. If one of those categories fits your situation and you meet the nutritional risk and income requirements (by not making too much money), you could qualify for free essentials like fruits, vegetables, juice, milk, infant formula, and baby food.

To learn more about WIC, go here.

2. SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is just a fancy name for food stamps. Meet the income requirements for this program, and you and your kids can enjoy monthly funds on an EBT card that you can use to buy nutritional necessities at the grocery store.

Although SNAP isn’t a form of “emergency” food assistance, apply for benefits now so you can avoid the worry that comes with food insecurity in the future.

3. 211

While this isn’t a “program” like WIC and SNAP, calling 211 can help you find free food quickly, so your kids don’t reach the point of starvation. Ask the local operator for food assistance in your area, and they should be able to point you in the right direction for food banks, soup kitchens, and more.

4. National School Lunch Program

The NSLP can give your kids free or low-cost lunches at school so they have sufficient fuel for their studies, which can also help you save for other bills.

5. Summer Food Service Program

Many low-income parents worry about the summer months. Not only will they have to figure out who will take care of their kids since school is out, but they’ll also have to worry about forking over extra cash for their meals.

With the Summer Food Service Program, the latter worry will be taken care of, as it can supply your kids with free meals and snacks, so they don’t go hungry.

6. School Breakfast Program

If you send your children to school without breakfast, they probably won’t be able to function at their peak.  Sign up for the School Breakfast Program, and your kids can get free, nutritious breakfasts before classes begin.

7. Fresh Fruit And Vegetable ProgramWithout a daily dose of fruits and vegetables, your children could develop nutrient deficiencies that could grow into more significant health problems down the line.  The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program tackles this problem by giving kids free, fresh produce that soaks their systems with the nutrients they need while growing while also combating obesity.