Budget Resources

STL WIC Programs: Available to low / moderate income pregnant women, recently delivered women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk. Fathers can apply on behalf of their children. Applicants may be working or unemployed.
Missouri Food Stamps/SNAP: A federal program designed to help low-earning individuals and families afford nutritious foods. Applications for emergency or regular food stamps can be made at any Division of Family Services office in the city or county of St. Louis.

Community Action Agency of STL County: Open Tuesday & Thursday by appointment only.
STL Foodbank: A pantry locator to help you find food resources based on location.
Operation Food Search: A food bank search engine as well as recipes.
Jewish Family Services: Open Monday through Friday by appointment only.

City Greens Market: Located in the Grove, this grocery store offers a sliding scale membership with at-cost produce supporting local farmers/producers.
Snap Express Meal Kits: Select a meal kit and press the ‘Get Started’ button to view related recipes, ingredients and shopping.
Full Cart: Complete the survey to register for free meal kits. Recipes and nutrition education also available. New applicants are currently being wait listed.
Budget Bytes: Recipes, budgeting, and meal planning resources.
Too Good To Go: This app allows local restaurants to submit available meals and food at an extremely discounted rate.
Olio: This app allows sharing of extra meals (among other things) throughout the community – can be provided by restaurants or individuals.

Instacart: Accepts EBT/SNAP benefits and offers new customers a $0 delivery fee (first three orders) and 50% off Instacart+ for one year.
St. Louis Metro Market: A mobile farmers market operated by Operation Food Search. It visits community sites Tuesdays through Fridays! Travel schedule will be posted in April.

National Energy Assistance Referral Service: 866-674-6327
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: Assists families with energy costs.
HEAT UP ST. LOUIS: Apply for heating or cooling assistance apply. Partner agencies are also listed on the site.
STL City application | STL County application

WashU Medicine Student Emergency Fund: Designed to provide timely, need-based financial assistance to students facing unforeseen expenses that cannot be covered by standard financial aid or fall outside the scope of traditional tuition and fee structures. This fund serves as a critical resource for maintaining students’ well-being and academic continuity during times of personal crisis. Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to, urgent medical or mental health care, essential living costs, emergency travel, replacement of necessary technology, or professional attire for job interviews. Awarded on a case-by-case basis. Priority given to situations that directly impact a student’s ability to remain enrolled and engaged in their academic program.
Graduate Center Financial Resources: A variety of financial resources including iGrad, a free financial wellness tool covering topics like budgeting, saving, and understanding credit reports; the Buchheit Graduate Student Family Support Fund for students with children facing unexpected expenses; the Graduate and Professional Student Emergency Fund for one-time financial hardships, and a Child Daycare Subsidy for PhD students with families; and the International Student Medical Assistance Fund for unexpected medical expenses. Workshops on personal finance and taxes are also available. 

WashU Parking & Transportation: Free Metro passes.
WashU shuttles: Available to WashU students, faculty and staff. Provides service between Danforth, Campus, Mallinckrodt Bus Plaza, Delmar DivINe, and WashU Medical School Campus. View website for schedule information.
Enterprise Car Share: Enterprise members can rent cars at a discounted rate by the hour, day or overnight from dedicated spaces located across campus. This service is free to join. Must have WashU email and be over the age of 18.

SWAP – Sharing with a Purpose: A student-operated non-profit designed to promote re-use within the WashU community through the free exchange and affordable sale of donated goods. Hours are Monday through Friday, 4PM to 6PM.
Circularity Center: Remaining Spring 25 hours: Fridays, March 21^st and 28^th, 2-5PM. The center is a WashU thrift store that collects university surplus and repurposes items through sales within the WashU Community — items range from clothing to furniture to office supplies. WashU students and staff can donate or shop.
Share Our Stuff: Early May sorting event trades volunteer hours for free stuff! Visit website for dates & times. This event happens on the Danforth campus.
This article offers a variety of ways to be a sustainable, budget-conscience consumer.

Home Sweet Home: A nonprofit that partners with STL agencies to help underserved families. Clients are referred to Home Sweet Home through partner agencies (listed on the site).

Savers: Locations in Crestwood and Ellisville.
Goodwill: Multiple locations throughout the STL area.
The Resale Shop: Located in Creve Coeur, operated by the National Council of Jewish Women, STL.

United Way: Dial 2-1-1 (like 9-1-1) to connect with United Way Information & Referral services or visit the website to find services in your area, including basic needs, physical and mental health resources, free tax prep and more.
JFS Care Connect: Gain access to support resources for housing, counseling, and more.