A family receiving food stamps often runs out of food by the middle of the month. What should you do for them?

Obtaining an emergency food voucher and referring the family to the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is a proactive way to address their immediate food insecurity. This option directly addresses the pressing need for food by providing a temporary solution that can prevent gaps in their food supply. Emergency food vouchers can provide access to resources that may assist in sustaining the family until their next benefits are issued.

Additionally, the EFNEP is an educational program that empowers families with knowledge and skills related to nutrition, budgeting, and meal preparation. This can help them make better food choices, improve food management skills, and potentially reduce the likelihood of facing this situation in the future. By coupling immediate assistance with education, it supports both their current needs and long-term sustainability.

The other options, while beneficial in different contexts, do not directly mitigate the urgent issue of running out of food in the middle of the month. Providing a list of low-cost meals or encouraging meal planning can be helpful strategies but may not be sufficient on their own to resolve food scarcity. Advising them to apply for additional food assistance might be a longer-term solution, but again, it does not provide immediate relief for their current situation.