Food Assistance

Food Emergency

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What is Emergency Food Assistance (EFA)? 

The Emergency Food Assistance Programme provides assistance to persons who have insufficient or no income to provide for their basic needs. Individuals can access the Emergency Food Assistance (EFA) on the same day that they make the request. Clients are provided with monetary instruments in the form of coupons that are redeemable at selected supermarkets in New Providence and the Family Islands. 

What is required to qualify for this service? (Eligibility) or General Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Persons earning minimum wage or lower. 
  2. Bahamian citizen or permanent resident. 
  3. Over the age of 18. 
  4. The applicant must be the Head of the Household. 

What steps need to be taken to obtain and complete this service? (Complete end-to-end process) 

  1. The applicant makes a request at the Outreach Centre within their residential boundaries, or online via the DOSS webpage. 
  2. The Social Service Representative (SSR) conducts an interview and a home visit to assess the applicant’s eligibility.
  3. The SSR completes a report and a recommendation is made about applicant’s eligibility. 
  4. The SSR contacts and informs the applicant of eligibility. 

What documents are needed to apply for this service?  (e.g., copies of passport, I.D. card, driver’s permit)

For Citizens

  1. Valid Passport. 
  2. Valid N.I.B. Card. 
  3. Current Pay Slip or Job Letter or Termination Letter. 
  4. Birth Certificate/ Affidavit or Valid Passport of child or children under the age of eighteen (18) years, and Proof of Guardianship. 
  5. Marriage certificate and similar documents of identification for spouse, as indicated above. 
  6. Divorce decree or legal separation documents to verify status. 
  7. Doctor’s letter, if unable to work due to ill health. 

For Permanent Residents (Non-Citizens)

  1. Valid Passport. 
  2. Proof of Citizenship/Permanent Residency. 
  3. Valid Work Permit. 
  4. Birth Certificate of child or children under the age of eighteen (18) years, and proof of Guardianship. 
  5. Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal separation documents, where applicable. 
  6. Doctor’s letter, if unable to work due to ill health. 

Are there any deadlines associated with this service? (e.g., cut-off dates, application time limits) 

Applicant may ONLY apply within a three (3) month-period, if the need arises.