The Food Stamp Program(EBT) helps people with low income to buy healthy food. The application can be done online. Please see the website for your local service center. The application is also used for Temporary Cash Assistance, Medicaid, and all other Department of Children and Families services.

Deaf/Hearing Impaired:
Florida Relay 711 or
TTY: 1.800.955.8771

Bread of the Mighty Food Bank partners with agencies and gives food to those in need within their communities. They also has 15 after-school snack sites in Alachua County. These after-school sites provide tutoring and help with homework. The Summer Lunch Program serves 34 sites in four counties. They also offers help to those applying for Food Stamps (SNAP).

Services include:

• BMFB Service area: Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette and Levy counties
• After School Snack Program – serves 15 sites in Alachua County
• SNAP Outreach – Food Stamp Assistance
• Gainesville Harvest
• Mobile Pantries – 20+ locations monthly
• Summer Lunch Program sites – Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy and Marion counties
• Hours of Operation: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (agency hours 8:00 am – 2:00 pm)

For more information or to host a food drive, please contact Bread of the Mighty Food Bank by calling, or visiting their website.

This agency helps families in need during the holidays. They provide Thanksgiving food baskets to those who would otherwise be without a holiday meal. At Christmas, the Adopt A Family program helps 300+ families. Please call for more information.

Catholic Charities Gainesville Regional Office provides Rural Mobile Food Outreach to those in need. They serve five rural counties surrounding the Gainesville area. Food, personal care products, and pet food are available. Other necessities may be available too. Please call or visit website for more information.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income households meet their home energy needs.

It may give several types of assistance:

• Crisis Assistance may help eligible households who are about to have their utilities cut off due to nonpayment, or whose utilities have already been disconnected – the amount is based on need, up to the maximum allowed per household
• Disaster Relief is offered during extreme heat or freezing weather, when the state has declared a weather emergency – this assistance may include utility payments, heaters, fans and blankets
• Home Energy Assistance is a one-time payment benefit towards the household’s energy account, based on the total household income

Call for more information.

Disability Compensation is paid to veterans who were injured or contracted a disease while on active duty. They also help veterans can get free claims counseling if needed. Claims Examiners are at several sites. They are also at each VA Medical Center and many VA Outpatient Clinics.

Please see the website for all Claim Examiner Sites.

American Red Cross offers disaster assistance. Services for those in the Armed forces are available as well. Their programs and services are open to all. Please call or visit the website to learn more.

Safelink/Lifeline wireless phones are provided by TracFone to provide telephone service to those in need.

Those who qualify receive a free phone with free monthly minutes.

Those who live in Section 8 housing or receive Medicaid or food stamps may qualify.

Please call for more information.

This agency helps those who have been wounded while in the military.
Services:
Rent, utilities, groceries and vehicle assistance.
Help with travel expenses to and from medical facilities.

OFR is always in need of donations and volunteers.

Please see the website for more information.