Veterans Food Assistance Program

Veterans Food Assistance Program

Program Mission

It is our goal to ensure that no veteran goes hungry by providing essential food assistance and household support, fostering stability and well-being in the lives of our veterans and their families.

Program Overview

The Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP) is designed to provide a one-time grant of essential food and household support to veterans and their families, ensuring no veteran goes hungry. With the rising cost of living, especially food prices due to inflation, this program offers a much-needed lifeline to those who have served our country. Once approved, the DVNF program team will handle the shopping for you.

What The Program Can Provide

The Veterans Food Assistance Program provides a one-time grant per household to support different family sizes, given the rising cost of food:

Married Veterans Grant Allowance

Married - No Children up to $250
Married - 1 Child up to $300
Married - 2 Children up to $450
Married - 3+ Children up to $500

Single Veterans Grant Allowance

Single - No Children up to $200
Single - 1 Child up to $300
Single - 2 Children up to $350
Single - 3+ Children up to $450
I have never been so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. I put in for the groceries on October 1st, October 3rd it was approved and sent out the same day. It is so disheartening and demoralizing as a father to not be able to feed your family. Thanks to the VFAP my fridge and freezer both were filled as well as I also received diapers and wipes. I am beyond grateful and can't thank them enough. You all brought tears of joy to my eyes...They were able to help a struggling single father provide when there was no way. I believe in God, and I know you all came from him with the help that you have done. I could easily write well over 500 characters, but I will say I did not expect so much but I am beyond grateful. You gave me joy for tomorrow because only if you knew what I have been encountering. Thank you again

George Wilder

Video George shared of his groceries being delivered

Veterans can apply for assistance through our online application form available on the DVNF website.  Once approved, the DVNF Program Team will take care of the grocery shopping based on the specified list.

  • Proof of veteran status
  • Proof of income
  • Information on household size
Apply now

List Of Provided Grocery Items

Staples

  • Bread
  • Rice
  • Pastas
  • Cereals

Fruits and Vegetables

  • Fresh fruits
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Canned vegetables
  • Frozen fruits & vegetables

Dairy

  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Butter

Proteins

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Canned beans
  • Canned tuna

Pantry Items

  • Cooking oils (olive oil, vegetable oil)
  • Spices & seasonings
  • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)
  • Sauces (tomato sauce, pasta sauce)
  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly and jam

Beverages

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Juice
  • Water

Household Support Items

  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Dish soap
  • Laundry detergent
  • Cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes)
  • Trash bags
  • Aluminum foil and plastic wrap

Veteran Food Assistance Program (VFAP) FAQs

1What is VFAP and how does it work?
The Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP) provides free grocery support to veterans and their families to ensure that no veteran goes hungry. Through the application, you can select from a variety of available grocery items. You will also have the option to note additional items you may need that are not included in the list. Once approved, the DVNF staff will shop for you based on your preferences, dietary needs, allergies, and other details provided on your application
2Can I apply for food assistance if I am not a disabled veteran?
Yes, you do not need to be a disabled veteran to receive food assistance. All veterans and their families are eligible to apply.
3How many times can I apply?
You may apply as often as needed; however, you can only be approved for assistance once per fiscal year, which runs October-September.
4Where can I apply?
Applications are available exclusively online through our grant interface. You can access the application form here. We do not accept any mail-in or emailed applications.
5Do I need and email address?
Yes, a valid email address is required to make a grant account. Since we are a national organization, email is also our primary method of communication
6What documents are needed to apply?
You will need digital or physical access to the following documents: i. DD-214 or Veteran ID ii. Proof of income (e.g., welfare, SNAP, VA benefits, etc.) iii. Disability letter (if applicable) iv. Case worker recommendation letter (optional)
7I was dishonorably discharged; can I still apply?
No; dishonorable discharges, including bad conduct discharges, disqualify individuals from applying.
8I have difficulty navigating the Internet. How can I still apply?
We understand that accessing and navigating online applications can be challenging for some individuals. As a nationwide organization, we experience high volumes of applicants at certain times. Before reaching out for assistance, we encourage you to explore alternatives, such as seeking support from family members, case workers, home aides, or utilizing public library resources. This will help ensure that we can dedicate more time to applicants who may require more personalized assistance.
9If I am approved, what are the next steps?
After approval, you will receive an email from our grant system informing you that a “Delivery Information Follow-Up" form has been assigned to your active VFAP request. You will be asked to log into your grant account and complete the form, which will confirm your delivery address and preferred days and times for grocery delivery within three weeks of your approval.
10It says DVNF shops for me. How does that work?
During the application process, we ask detailed questions about your dietary preferences, allergies, and the types of items you need, including pantry staples, fresh produce, and household supplies. You will also have the option to list any additional items not covered in the application. The items we provide depend on our budget and item availability, but we strive to meet your needs to the best of our ability.
11What locations does Walmart not serve?
While Walmart Supercenters are widely available across the country, there are a few locations where they are not present. These include the states of Vermont, Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawaii, as well as major cities such as New York City, San Francisco, Detroit, Seattle, Boston, Newark, Jersey City, and Arlington. However, we encourage you not to be discouraged. We will explore the next nearest Walmart or consider alternative options based on availability to meet your needs.
12How long does it typically take for an application to be processed? When can I expect to receive my groceries after being approved?
On average, it takes about 1-2 weeks to evaluate and process your application. Once approved, and depending on how quickly the “Delivery Information Follow-Up" form is completed, you can receive your groceries as soon as 1-3 days after approval. Please note that this timeline may be affected by factors such as staff availability, holidays, and office closures.
13I can’t wait that long for groceries. Can I receive emergency assistance?
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer emergency food assistance or vouchers. If you are in urgent need, we recommend reaching out to a local food pantry or contacting the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866- 3HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479). To find the nearest food pantry, you can also visit FoodPantries.org.
14I am a case worker and am interested in providing a recommendation letter for a veteran in need. What should be included in the letter?
The recommendation letter should outline the veteran’s current need for assistance and describe any steps they have taken toward achieving financial stability and food security. The letter should also affirm that the veteran requires support to meet their basic needs
15What if I do not want groceries to be delivered? Can I just receive a gift card?
DVNF does not provide gift cards at the request of the applicant because they would prefer that over a grocery delivery. We strive to fulfill your needs in the most efficient and effective way possible by delivering the items you request. If you have specific preferences or concerns, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate them.
16Do you offer other forms of support for veterans besides food assistance?
Yes, we offer two additional one-time grant assistance programs. For Veterans experiencing temporary financial hardship may receive up to $1,000 (not guaranteed) from DVNF to help pay for rent or mortgage, water, gas, electricity, auto payments, and more. For Veterans who are transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing, H2H offers financial aid of up to $2,000 (not guaranteed) to help cover initial housing payments or obtain furniture and essential housing items purchased through DVNF. These applications can be found and completed on the same grant site previously mentioned.
17I'm getting an error when I try to submit my application. What should I do?
Typically, an error message shows when an application cannot be submitted. This error message typically illustrates that a required question remains unanswered, or a document remains incomplete. Ensure all required fields are filled out and that all necessary documents have been uploaded before attempting to submit again.
18It says I can no longer submit an application because it is past the due date. Can I not apply anymore?
Sometimes, we close the application before the end of the month if there is an extremely high volume of applicants. But do not worry, our applications typically re-open again on the first of next month. You will be able to submit that application come the first day of the following month.
19What if my question is not answered here?
If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at vfap@dvnf.org

Mail In Donations

You can also send your donation by mail. Please make checks payable to:

Disabled Veterans National Foundation
4601 Forbes Blvd
Suite 130
Lanham, MD 20706

Corporate & Matching Gifts

If your company offers a matching gift program, you can double or even triple the impact of your donation. Please contact your HR department for more information.

Other Ways To Give

Stock Donations: Donating appreciated securities is a great way to support DVNF and may provide tax benefits.

Planned Giving: Include DVNF in your estate plans to create a lasting legacy of support for Veterans.

About DVNF

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) is committed to supporting Veterans by providing critical assistance, resources, and advocacy. Through programs like VFAP, DVNF continues to address the unique challenges faced by disabled and at-risk Veterans, ensuring they receive the support needed to lead stable, productive lives.