HOUSTON – Families in Texas who rely on food assistance often use more than one program at the same time — because no single benefit covers everything.
Programs like WIC, SNAP and food banks are designed to serve different purposes, and advocates say they work best when they are combined.
WIC: Targeted nutrition for infants and young children
The Women, Infants and Children program, known as WIC, is administered in Texas by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission with federal oversight from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
WIC is the only food assistance program that covers infant formula. SNAP does not allow the purchase of formula, and food banks do not consistently have it available.
WIC also covers baby food, including infant cereal and purees, along with a set monthly package of specific nutrition staples. Those include items such as milk, eggs, whole-grain foods, peanut butter or beans, and fruits and vegetables.
The program is prescriptive, meaning families receive a defined list of approved foods each month.
SNAP: Flexibility for family meals
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is also administered in Texas through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
SNAP allows families to buy a wide range of grocery items, including meat, poultry, fish, frozen foods and other everyday staples. The program gives recipients flexibility to choose brands and foods that meet their household needs.
However, SNAP does not cover infant formula or baby food, which creates a gap for families with infants and young children — a gap WIC is designed to fill.
Food Banks: Emergency and supplemental support
Food banks across Texas provide emergency and supplemental food assistance, often distributing items in bulk.
Typical food bank offerings may include canned goods, rice, pasta, bread and boxed meals. Some locations also distribute fresh produce or frozen meat, depending on availability.
Food bank inventories vary because they rely on donations. Infant formula and baby food are not guaranteed to be available.
Many food banks in Texas operate through the Feeding Texas.
How the programs work together
Advocates say these programs are not meant to replace one another.
WIC focuses on infant and child nutrition.
SNAP helps cover family meals.
Food banks help fill gaps when benefits run low.
Each program serves a different role, and together they can help households manage food needs during times of financial strain.