Additional Resources

The Winter Crisis Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a one-time annual benefit available to renters and homeowners to help heat their homes. Summer Crisis HEAP targets residents over the age of 60 or with certified medical conditions for help with cooling their homes. The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) can be helpful for households looking for consistent, manageable utility payments to fit limited budgets.

Visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to learn more and apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or enroll in a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) from the Ohio Development Services Agency.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program serves income-eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants, and children up to five years of age. To apply, visit the Ohio Department of Health website or call 1-800-755-GROW.

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides free or reduced-price school breakfasts and lunches to K-12 students. Parents/guardians submit applications for their student(s) to participate in the NSLP directly to their child’s school.

The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals to children when schools are closed and the traditional National School Lunch Program isn’t operating. You can search for sites near you on the Ohio Department of Education’s interactive map or by calling 1-866-3-HUNGRY.

Summer EBT was created implemented by the state of Ohio in 2024, to provide funds for families with children to purchase groceries when schools and child care centers are closed. Learn more about Ohio's Summer EBT (S-EBT or SUN Bucks) program at ohiosummerebt.org.

Get Covered Ohio can help you shop for and enroll in the Healthcare.gov plan that best meets your needs and your budget! The Ohio Association of Foodbanks leads this project in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and eight regional and local organizations. Make your appointment with a trained, licensed Navigator at https://getcoveredohio.org/ or by calling (833) 628-4467. We can also help you apply for Medicaid and understand changes that are coming to Medicaid.

Healthy Start provides coverage for children in low-income households. Healthy Families provides coverage for all families that have at least one child and have low incomes. To check your eligibility and apply for Healthy Start or Healthy Families, click here. Our certified Connecting Kids to Coverage enrollment specialists can help you apply. These counselors are available through a partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Visit https://getcoveredohio.org/ to make an appointment. You can learn more at insurekidsnow.gov.

Other Medicaid programs include coverage for low-income adults and coverage for income-eligible older adults or people with disabilities. To check your eligibility and apply for health care assistance through Medicaid, click here.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act created a portal to shop for subsidized health care plans that can fit into your household budget based on your income. During an annual open enrollment period in late fall, anyone can shop for and enroll in a plan that meets their needs and budget. If you experience a change in circumstances, like a new baby or the loss of employer-provided health coverage, you can enroll during a Special Enrollment Period. To learn more and shop on your own for a plan that’s right for you, click here.