Food Resources Series: SNAP

1. SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly know as the federal food Stamp Program)

What is it?

• a federal benefit program that puts food on the tables of low-income households
  
• uses an ACCESS card that works like a debit card
• can be used at grocery stores, supermarkets and some farmers markets
• buys food items, seeds and plants to grow your own food, meals prepared by certain shelters or services

Do I qualify?

• eligibility is based on monthly income vs. expenses:

Through Sept. 30th, 2011

• Even if you earn more than this, you may still qualify! The SNAP program will look at all kinds of factors to determine your eligibility, like whether you have an elderly or disabled person living in your household, your savings account, medical bills, etc.

• To see if you qualify, look for a pre-screening tool online:

PathWays PA Online Training & Benefits Eligibility Tool
COMPASS Site

• Or call a local organization that does Food Stamp pre-screening, find it in our County Help Chart!

How do I apply?

• Use the COMPASS Site- they'll keep the information you entered for pre-screening and alert you to other benefits you might be eligible for!

• Apply in person at your local county assistance office- find their phone number in the County Help Chart

*If your income is less than $150 per month, you have less than $100 in your bank account, you are a migrant or seasonal farm worker or your monthly expenses are greater than your gross monthly income, you may be eligibile to receive your SNAP benefits within 5 days!