How to use Google Search to help manage uncertain times

Every year around the holidays, Google sees a spike in searches for food support and in 2022, we saw a 20% increase in searches for “food bank and pantries” from 2021. Federal programs like the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) feed more than 42 million Americans each year. When you search for “snap benefits,” you can find locally relevant, direct resources to help determine your eligibility and how to apply for the benefit. Once approved for the SNAP program, many people use Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards to pay for food. You can now search for “EBT” to find information about your state’s program, including how to log in, check your balance and find the right telephone numbers for support. With our latest updates, you can also find easily accessible information about the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

We also know local food banks and pantries play a vital role in feeding those in need in our communities. Last year, 53 million people in the U.S. turned to food banks and pantries to put meals on their table. In November, Google.org announced a new partnership with Feeding America, the country’s largest charitable food system, to help deliver 50 million meals to families across the U.S. You can find more information on Google products that are providing support at findfoodsupport.withgoogle.com.

Connecting people with high quality information is critical to the work we do at Google. We’re committed to empowering everyone with the knowledge to build a better life for themselves, and more resilient communities.

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