Volunteers hosting refugees and asylees usually cook and share food with guests for the first week. After that, refugees and asylees can use their new EBT card to purchase food and may want to cook on their own. New families may also benefit from a fully-stocked pantry waiting for them when they move into their first apartment.

Volunteers may choose to purchase these items as a gift to the arriving family (a gift in kind receipt can be provided to the volunteer when they turn in the receipts) or can request reimbursement from World Relief. Reimbursements and items purchased by World Relief will come from the refugee’s welcome money, which is limited.

• The grocery lists provided are not exhaustive of all items refugees may want, so you are welcome to purchase additional items, but use discretion.
• The amount of food listed is meant for a couple or family with small children. It will last your guests less than a week. Within the next two days after their arrival, either the volunteer or a WRS representative (depending on what was agreed upon) will take the refugee family grocery shopping for more food.
• Halal meat may be mentioned in the meal or on the grocery list. See this link for locations to buy Halal meat.
• Most newcomers will not have microwaves in their apartments right away, so they will be heating and reheating their food in the oven or on the stove.