The average monthly amount a family of 4 can receive thru the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly called Food Stamps) is $540. And 30% of those who are eligible for this program are not applying.
You can be making up to $44,700 and still be eligible. Income requirements vary by state, so check the state eligibility chart below and then contact your state office listed below to see how you can apply for this money.
Some states make it real easy and you can do it all on the web. Watch the video to learn more about the application process.
The minimum income eligibility requirement to get SNAP benefits is 130% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a family of 4 that equals $29,064. Some states listed below have instituted a broad-based categorical eligibility policy that makes most households eligible for SNAP because they qualify for other types of benefits.
For a family of 4: 130% = $29,064 160% = $35,760 165% = $36,877 185% = $41,348 200% = $44,700 (Alaska and Hawaii use a slightly higher base number: AK is $36,322; HI is $33,423)
In an effort to simplify the process, many states are allowing you to apply online. You can check out links to the various states applications at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/applicant_recipients/apply.html What is nice is that many states allow you to apply for SNAP benefits, as well has cash assistance, health insurance, and more in just one place!
Arizona: https://www.healthearizona.org/app/Default.aspx California: https://www.c4yourself.com/c4yourself/index.htm Colorado: https://peak.state.co.us/selfservice/ Delaware: https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/PGM/ASP/SC001.asp Florida: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/ Georgia: https://compass.ga.gov/selfservice/ Illinois: http://fspp.dhs.state.il.us/register/wb/wbHomePre.do Indiana: http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/2999.htm Iowa: https://secureapp.dhs.state.ia.us/oasis/ Kansas: http://oapub1.srs.ks.gov/OAWeb/staticPages/OA_welcome.jsp Louisiana: https://webapps.dss.state.la.us/FAApplication/# Maryland: https://www.marylandsail.org/Application/Default.aspx Massachusetts: http://www.mass.gov/snap Michigan: https://www.mibridges.michigan.gov/access/ Montana: https://app.mt.gov/mtc/apply/index.html Nebraska: http://dhhs.ne.gov/Children_Family_Services/AccessNebraska/Pages/accessnebraska_index.aspxNew Jersey: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/foodstamps/apply/ New York: https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/ Ohio: https://odjfsbenefits.ohio.gov/SelfServiceSplash.jsf Oregon: https://apps.state.or.us/onlineApplication/ Pennsylvania: https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/CMHOM.aspx Rhode Island: https://www.foodstamps.ri.gov/admin/login.cfm South Carolina: https://scmapp.sc.gov/ Tennessee: https://fabenefits.dhs.tn.gov/vip/website/signupservlet?pagename=homepage Texas: https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/ssp/SSPHome/ssphome.jsp Utah: https://utahhelps.utah.gov/ Vermont: http://dcf.vermont.gov/mybenefits Virginia: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/vnan/index.html Washington: https://www.washingtonconnection.org/home/ West Virginia: https://www.wvinroads.org/inroads/PGM/ASP/SC001.asp Wisconsin: https://access.wisconsin.gov/access/ Note: Only some California, Indiana, and New York counties can use this tool.
The number of people using food pantries has grown astronomically.
Feeding America has a local Food Bank search feature at: http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspxAs does Food Pantries.org: http://foodpantries.org/
Alabama Food Stamp Partnership Dept. of Human Resources S. Gordon Persons Building 50 Ripley Street Montgomery AL 36130 http://dhr.alabama.gov/services/Food_Assistance/Food_Assistance_Division.aspx Food Stamp Application http://dhr.alabama.gov/services/Food_Assistance/Documents/FA_Application_12-1-09.pdf
Alaska Division of Public Assistance Dept. of Health & Soc. Svcs Alaska Office Bldg. PO Box 110640 Juneau, AK. 99811 0640 (907) 465 3347 (907) 465-5154 (Fax) Hotline: (907) 465-3325 Food Stamp Program Information, Program Eligibility Self-Assessment Tool, and Application http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dpa/programs/fstamps/
Arizona Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility Dept. of Economic Security Family Assistance Administration PO Box 6123 - Site Code 939A Phoenix, AZ 85005-6123 (602) 542 3596 (602) 542-3585 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-352-8401 Food Stamp Program Information https://www.azdes.gov/main.aspx?id=3335 Application for Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, and AHCCCS Health Insurance (in English and Spanish) https://www.healthearizona.org/app/Default.aspx
Arkansas Arkansas Dept. of Human Services P.O. Box 1437 Little Rock, AR 72203-1437 Georgia.Gilkey@mail.state.ar.us. (501) 682-8276 (501) 682-1469 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-482-8988 Food Stamp Program Information and Application (in English and Spanish) http://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dco/Pages/SupportServices.aspx http://humanservices.arkansas.gov/dco/dco_docs/DCO-215%20Request%20for%20Assistance%201108.pdf
California Food Stamp Branch Dept. of Social Servicesv 744 P Street, MS 16-32 Sacramento, CA. 95814 ryee@dss.ca.gov (916) 651-6555 916) 654-1295 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-952-5253 Food Stamp Program Information, Link to USDA Benefit Calculator, and Application (in English, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese) http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps/ http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps//entres/forms/english/DFA285A1.PDF
Colorado Food Assistance Programs Colorado Dept. of Human Services 1575 Sherman Street - 3rd Floor Denver, CO 80203-1714 (303) 866-2535 (303) 866-2704 or 5098 (fax) Hotline: (303) 866-5087 (accepts collect calls) Food Stamp Program Information http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-SelfSuff/CBON/1251580884676 Food Stamp Application http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-SelfSuff/CBON/1251586542908
Connecticut Adult Service Manager Dept. of Social Services 25 Sigourney Street Hartford, CT 06106-5033 (860) 424-5381 (860) 424-4957 Fax Hotline: 1-800-842-1508 Food Stamp Program Information (scroll down for Food Stamp) http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2353& amp;q=411676v Food Stamp Application English: http://www.ct.gov/dss/lib/dss/pdfs/w-1food.pdf
Delaware Dept. Of Health & Social Services P.O. Box 906 New Castle, DE 19720 arachangelo@state.de.us (302) 255-4433 Hotline: 1-800-464-4357 Food Stamp Program Information http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/foodstamps.html Benefit calculator, on-line application, and printable application for assistance programs (in English and Spanish): http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dss/pubs.html
District of Columbia Dept. Of Human Services 645 H Street, NE, Fifth Floor Washington, DC 20002 kjesberg@ima.dcgov.org (202) 698-3900 (202) 724-2041(fax) Hotline: (202) 727-5355 Local Office Information http://www.dhs.dc.gov/dhs/cwp/view,a,3,q, 492404.asp http://answersplease.dc.gov/answersplease/site/default.asp Food Stamp Application (in English and Spanish) http://www.dhs.dc.gov/dhs/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=568277&dhsNAV=|30980|
Florida Director of ACCESS Florida Dept. Of Children and Families 1317 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700 jennifer_lange@dcf.state.fl.us (850) 921-0253 Fax: (850) 488-2589 Hotline:1-866-762-2237 Food Stamp Program Information http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/foodassistance.shtml Program Eligibility Self-Assessment Tool http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ Food Stamp Application http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/
Georgia Division of Family & Children Services GA Dept. of Human Resources Two Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 21-433 Atlanta, GA 30303-3180 jmanders@dhr.state.ga.us (404) 651-8701 Hotline: 1-800-869-1150 Food Stamp Program Information and Application http://dfcs.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHS%20-DFCS/ Food Stamp Application https://compass.ga.gov/selfservice/
Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare 450 West State St., 2nd Floor PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0036 (208) 334 4905 (208) 334-5817 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-926-2588 Food Stamp Program Information http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/FoodCashAssistance/tabid/59/Default.aspx Application for Assistance http://www.healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/FoodCashAssistance/FoodStamps/tabid/90/Default.aspx
Illinois Director Office of Policy, Training and Program Development Illinois Dept. of Human Services 100 South Grand Avenue, East Springfield, IL 62762 DHSBP06@dhs.state.il.us (217) 782-1213 (217) 557-0473 (Fax) Hotline:1-800-843-6154 Food Stamp Program Information http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=303 57 Link to Illinois Benefit Calculator, and Application (in Spanish and English) http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=336 98
Indiana Family Resources Division of Family and Children Indiana Family and Social Services Administration 402 West Washington, Room W392 Indianapolis, IN 46204 bcohen@fssa.state.in.us (317) 232-1148 (317) 232-4490 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-622-4932 Food Stamp Program Information and link to Application (in English and Spanish) http://www.in.gov/fssa/2407.htm http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/2999.htm
Iowa Division of Financial Health & Work Supports Iowa Dept. of Human Services Hoover State Office Building, 5th Floor 1305 Walnut Streets Des Moines, IA 50319-0114 (515) 281-6080 (515) 281-7791 (Fax) Hotline: 1-877-937-3663v Food Stamp Program Information, Link to USDA Benefit Calculator and Application (in English and Spanish) http://www.dhs.iowa.gov/Consumers/Test/AssistancePrograms.html http://www.dhs.iowa.gov/Consumers/Assistance_Programs/FoodAssistance/index.html
Kansas State Dept. of Social and Rehabilitation Services Docking State Office Building, 6th Floor 915 Southwest Harrison Topeka, KS 66612-1570 (785) 296-3271 (785) 296-1158 (Fax) Hotline: 1-888-369-4777 http://www.srs.ks.gov/services/Pages/FoodAssistance.aspx Printable Application (English and Spanish) http://oapub1.srs.ks.gov/OAWeb/staticPages/index.html
Kentucky Dept. of Community Based Services Cabinet for Families & Children Services 275 East Main Street, 3W-D Frankfort, KY 40621 kellya.jackson@ky.gov (502) 564-3440 (502) 564-4021 fax Hotline: 1-800-372-2973 Food Stamp Program Information and Application (in English and Spanish) http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dfs/foodstampsebt.htm
Louisiana Louisiana Dept. of Social Services P.O. Box 94065 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9065 sguillor@dss.state.la.us (225) 342-4051 (225) 219-4363 (Fax) Hotline: 1-888-LA HELPU Program Information, Link to USDA Benefit Calculator, and Application http://www.dss.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&nid=34&pnid=7&pid=93&catid=0 http://www.dss.state.la.us/assets/docs/searchable/OFS/Overview/Food%20Stamp%20Program/LaCAP1A.pdf
Maine Bureau of Family Independence State House, Station 11 Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 287-3106 (207) 287-5096 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-452-4643 Food Stamp Program Information and Application http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/services/snap/index.html http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/services/snap/APP-01-07.pdf
Maryland Dept. Of Human Resources Saratoga State Center 311 West Saratoga St. Baltimore, MD 21201-3521 kmcguire@dhr.state.md.us (410) 767-7338 (410) 333-6699 (fax) Hotline: 1-800-492-5515 Food Stamp Program Information, Program Eligibility Self-Assessment Tool, and Application (in English, Russian and Spanish) http://www.dhr.state.md.us/fiaprograms/fstamp/index.php https://www.marylandsail.org/
Massachusetts FSP Director Dept. of Transitional Assistance 600 Washington Street, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02111 (617) 348-5395 (617) 348-0166 Fax Hotline: 1-800-645-8333 http://www.mass.gov/snap Food Stamp Program Information, Benefit Calculator, and Application (in English and Spanish) http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dta/c_snapapp_eng.pdf
Michigan State Administrative Manager Medical and Food Assistance Policy Family Independence Agency 235 South Grand Avenue, Suite 1317 Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 241-7444 (517) 241-7570 (Fax) Hotline: (517) 373-0707 (doesn't accept collect calls) Food Stamp Program Information and Application (in English and Spanish) Online Application: http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5453_5527-213851--,00.html
Minnesota Food Programs Transition to Economic Security Division Minnesota Dept. of Human Services 444 Lafayette Road - 3rd Floor St. Paul, MN 55155-3834 john.morrison@state.mn.us (651) 297-4623 (651) 215-1818 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-657-3698 Food Stamp Program Information, Eligibility Screener, and Link to USDA Benefit Calculator http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&Red%20irected=true&dDocName=id_002555 Food Stamp Application (in ten languages) https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-5223-ENG
Mississippi Dept. of Human Services Division of Economic Assistance 750 North State Street, 9th Floor P.O. Box 352 Jackson, MS 39205 csprkman@mdhs.state.ms.us (601) 359-4810 (601) 359-4347 fax Hotline: 1-800-948-3050 Food Stamp Program Information http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/ea_fs.html Food Stamp Application (in English and Spanish) http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us/agencyapps.htm
Missouri Family Support Division Dept. of Social Services 615 Howerton Court P.O. Box 2320 Jefferson City, MO 65102-2320 (573) 751-4247 (573) 522-4333 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-392-1261 Food Stamp Program Information, Link to USDA Benefit Calculator, and Application (in English and Spanish) http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/fstamp/index.htm Application: http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/fstamp/pdf/fs1_1006.pdf
Montana Human and Community Services Division Dept. of Public Health & Human Services PO Box 202952 Helena, MT 59620-2952 Street Address when required 1400 Broadway 59620 (406) 444-5902 (406) 444-2547 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-332-2272 Food Stamp Program Information http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/snap/index.shtml Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, and Food Stamps Application https://app.mt.gov/mtc/apply/index.html
Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services PO Box 95044 Lincoln, NE 68509-5044 Street address when required 301 Centennial Mall South, 5th Floor (402) 471-9106 (402) 471-0820 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-430-3244 Food Stamp Program Information and Application (in English and Spanish) http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/fia/fstamps.htm http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/fia/EA-117.pdf
Nevada Administrator Welfare Division Dept. of Human Resources 1470 East College Parkway Carson City, NV 89706-7924 (775) 684-0504 (775) 684-0614 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-992-0900 (Ext. 40500) Food Stamp Program Information https://dwss.nv.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=84&Itemid=234 Link to Application (in English and Spanish) https://dwss.nv.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=86&Itemid=236
New Hampshire Division of Family Assistance 129 Pleasant Street State Office Park South Concord, NH 03301-3857 (603) 271-4326 (603) 271-4727 (Fax) Hotline: 1-800-852-3345 (ext. 4238) Food Stamp Program Information http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dfa/foodstamps/index.htm Application for Assistance (in English, Spanish and Bosnian) http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dfa/apply.htm
New Jersey Dept. Of Human Services P.O. Box 716 Trenton NJ 08625 jeanette.page.Hawkins@dhs.state.nj.us (609) 588-2401 (609) 584-4404 Hotline: 1-800-687-9512 Food Stamp Program Information http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/foodstamps/ Benefit Calculator, Online Application, and Printable Applications (English, Spanish, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Gujarati) http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/programs/foodstamps/apply/
New MexicoNew Mexico Human Service Dept.P.O. Box 2348Santa Fe, NM 87504-2348Sharon.regensberg@state.nm.us (505) 827-7738Hotline: 1-888-473-3676Food Stamp Program Informationhttp://www.hsd.state.nm.us/isd/Application for Assistance, English and Spanish (scroll down to Income Support Programs)http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/isd/apply.html
New YorkDeputy CommissionerNew York Dept. of Family AssistanceOffice of Temporary & Disability AssistanceOffice of Temporary & Disability AssistanceAlbany, NY 12243(518) 474-9222(518) 474-5281 (Fax)Hotline: 1-800-343-8859(upstate): 1-800-342-3009Food Stamp Program Information and Application (in English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish)http://otda.ny.gov/programs/food-stamps/
North Carolina North Carolina Economic Independent ServicesDivision of Social Services325 N. Salisbury Street2420 Mail Service CenterRaleigh, NC 27603-2420jane.schwartz@ncmail.net (919) 733-7831(919) 733-0645 faxHotline: 1-800-662-7030Food Stamp Program Information and link to USDA Benefit Calculatorhttp://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/foodstamp/index.htmFood Stamp Applicationhttp://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/foodstamp/apply.htm
North DakotaFood Stamp ProgramDept. of Human Services600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 325Bismarck, ND 58505-0250(701) 328-2064(701) 328-1060 (Fax)Hotline: 1-800-755-2716Food Stamp Program Information, Links to Benefit Calculator, andhttp://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/financialhelp/foodstamps.html
OhioFood Stamp/TEFAP SectionBureau of Public AssistanceOhio Dept. of Human Services30 East Broad Street, 31st FloorColumbus, OH 43266-0423braunm@odhs.state.oh.us(614) 466-6814(614) 644-9974 (fax)Hotline: 1-866-244-0071Food Stamp Program Informationhttp://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/cmandfsa.stmLink to USDA Benefit Calculatorhttp://jfs.ohio.gov/OFam/foodstamps.stmLink to Food Stamp Application (in English, Spanish, and Somali)https://odjfsbenefits.ohio.gov/SelfServiceSplash.jsf
OklahomaFood Stamp ProgramP.O. Box 25352Oklahoma City, OK 73125-5352Kathie.Wright@okdhs.org(405) 521-2937Hotline: (405) 521-3444 (accepts collect calls); 866-411-1877Food Stamp Program Information, Link to USDA Benefit Calculator, and Application (in English and Spanish; scroll down)http://www.okdhs.org/programsandservices/food/
OregonOffice of Prevention & Transitional BenefitsChildren, Adults and FamiliesDept. of Human Resources500 Summer St., N.E., E62Salem, OR 97310-1013(503) 945-5600(503) 373-7032 (Fax)TTY (503) 945-5896Hotline: 1-800-723-3638Food Stamp Program Information, Benefit Calculator, and Application (in English, Spanish, Russian, and Vietnamese)http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance/foodstamps/foodstamps.shtmlhttp://www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance/foodstamps/snap-info.shtml#apply
PennsylvaniaDept. Of Public WelfareP.O. Box 2675Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675kyorkievitz@state.pa.us (717) 783-3063(717) 787-6765Hotline: 1-800-692-7462Food Stamp Program Informationhttp://www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/supplementalnutritionassistanceprogram/D_000639Food Stamp Application https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/CMHOM.aspx
Rhode IslandDept. of Human Services600 New London AvenueCranston, RI 02920(401) 462-2121(401) 462-3677 (Fax)Hotline: (401) 222-7276 (Free call in RI)URI Food Stamp Outreach: 866-306-0270Food Stamp Program Informationhttp://www.dhs.ri.gov/FamilieswithChildren/FoodAssistance/tabid/824/Default.aspxEligibility Screening and Links to Applications (in English and Spanish)http://www.dhs.ri.gov/FormsApplications/FormsApplications/SNAPApplication/tabid/917/Default.aspx
South CarolinaFood Stamp ProgramFamily Nutrition ProgramsSC Dept. of Social ServicesP.O. Box 1520Columbia, SC 29202-1520Sallen@dss.state.sc.us(803) 898-0990(803) 898-0960 faxHotline: 1-800-768-5700Food Stamp Program Information, Benefit Calculator, and Application (all in English and Spanish)https://dss.sc.gov/content/customers/food/foodstamp/index.aspx https://dss.sc.gov/content/customers/food/foodstamp/faq.aspx#apply
South DakotaOffice of Food StampsDept. of Social Services700 Governors DrivePierre, SD 57501-2291(605) 773-5468(605) 773-7183 (Fax)Hotline: 1-877-556-2200Food Stamp Program Information, Link to USDA Benefit Calculator, and Applicationhttp://dss.sd.gov/snap/http://dss.sd.gov/foodstamps/applying/
TennesseeFood Stamp PolicyDept. of Human ServicesCitizens Plaza Building, 12th Floor400 Deaderick StreetNashville, TN 37248-7200Richard.dobbs@state.tn.us(615) 313-5531(615) 313-6639 faxHotline: 1-800-863-6178Food Stamp Program Information, Link to USDA Benefit Calculator, and Application (in English and Spanish)http://www.tn.gov/foodstamps http://tn.gov/humanserv/adfam/fs_5.html
TexasDirector - Office of Family Services,Policy and ProgramsHealth and Human Services Commission909 West 45 StreetAustin, TX 78751(512) 206-4566(512) 206-5093 (fax)Hotline: 211 (in-state only) 1-512-973-9203 option 2Food Stamp Program Informationhttp://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/help/food/foodstamps/index.html Eligibility Screening and Application for TANF, Medicaid, and Food Stamps (in English and Spanish)http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/programs/foodstamps/estimator/index.htmlApplication: https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/ssp/SSPHome/ssphome.jsp
UtahServices Delivery SupportDept. of Workforce Services140 East 300 South, 5th FloorSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 526-4377(801) 526-9789 (Fax)Hotline: 1-866-526-3663Department of Workforce ServicesFood Stamp Program Information and Link to Application (in English and Spanish)https://jobs.utah.gov/customereducation/services/foodstamps/index.htmlhttps://utahhelps.utah.gov/
VermontDeputy CommissionerEconomic Service DivisionAgency of Human ServicesDept. for Children and Families103 South Main StreetWaterbury, VT 05671-1201(802) 241-0589Fax: (802) 241-2380Hotline: 1-800-479-6151Food Stamp Program Information and Applicationhttp://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/3SquaresVTApplication: http://dcf.vermont.gov/esd/3SquaresVT
VirginiaDept. of Social Services7 North 8th StreetRichmond, VA 23219sds900@email1.dss.state.va.us (804) 692-1702(804) 692-1704 (Fax)Hotline: 1-800-552-3431Food Stamp Program Information and Program Eligibility Self-Assessment Toolhttp://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/foodstamp.cgiApplication for Assistance: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/vnan/index.html
WashingtonDivision of Employment & Assistance ProgramsDept. of Social and Health Services1009 College St.PO Box 45470Olympia, WA 98504-5470(360) 725-4600(360) 413-3493 (Fax)Hotline: 1-800-865-7801http://www.dshs.wa.gov/onlinecso/food_assistance_program.shtml Eligibility Assessmenthttp://www.dshs.wa.gov/onlinecso/eligibility.shtmlFood Stamp Program Information, Online Application, and Printable Application (in Arabic, Bosnian, Cambodian, Chinese, English, Farsi, Korean, Laotian, Punjabi, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese)http://www.dshs.wa.gov/onlinecso/applying.shtml
West Virginia Bureau for Children and Family350 Capitol Street, Room 730Charleston, WV 25305-3711fredboothe@wvdhr.org(340) 558-4069(340) 558-4623 (Fax)Hotline: 1-800-642-8589Food Stamp Program Informationhttp://www.wvdhhr.org/bcf/family_assistance/fs.asp Benefit Calculator and Online Applicationhttps://www.wvinroads.org/inroads/PGM/ASP/SC001.asp
WisconsinBureau of Health Care EligibilityDivision of Health Care FinanceDept. of Health and Family Services1 West Wilson Street, Room 365Madison, WI 53701-0309mcilqcj@dhfs.state.wi.us(608) 261-6877(608) 261-6861Hotline: 1-800-362-3002Food Stamp Program Information, Benefit Calculator, and Application (in English, Hmong, Russian, and Spanish)http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/https://access.wisconsin.gov/
WyomingDept. of Family ServicesHathaway Building - Room 3472300 Capitol AvenueCheyenne, WY 82002-0490(307) 777-7564(307) 777-7747 (Fax)Hotline: 1-800-457-3659Food Stamp Program Information, Link to USDA Benefit Calculator, and Applicationhttp://dfsweb.state.wy.us/economic-assistance/snap/index.html
$135 is the average monthly amount per person for those who participate in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP; formerly called Food Stamps). To make things even easier, they give you a debit card that automatically deducts the cost of groceries, so it looks like you are using a credit card when you are at the store. 46 million people receive food assistance from SNAP, but unfortunately in a 2009 study over 13 million people were eligible for the program, but did not apply.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, helps low-income individuals purchase food so they can obtain a nutritious diet. One important measure of the program's performance is its ability to reach its target population, as indicated by the proportion of people eligible for benefits who actually participate.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps roughly 46 million low-income Americans afford food, with more than 75% of all food stamp participants are in families with children. With the increase in participants as of September 2011, 1 in 7 Americans receives SNAP/Food Stamps. The issue is that three in ten people eligible for SNAP benefits do not receive them. SNAP is making a huge impact of people's lives, as USDA research shows those that receive SNAP lift households above the 101 percent poverty line.
Hunger is sadly a fact of life for some in our country. According to a Hunger in America report 14.5% of households (1 in 7) were food insecure in 2010. That means at some point they had difficulty meeting basic food needs because they lacked money or other resources for food. Of these households one-third (6.7 million households) had very low food security meaning food intake was reduced and their normal eating patterns were disrupted. 3.9 million of these households had one or more children whose meals were irregular and food intake was considered inadequate.
A large majority - about 85% - of households with food-insecure children have one or more adults in the labor force, including a lot 70% with or more full-time workers. However, fewer than half of households with food-insecure children include an adult with education beyond high school, and only 10% include an adult with a 4-year college degree. Thus, employment opportunities and wage levels for less skilled or less educated workers are particularly important factors in the food security of dependent children. What this all boils down to is that people were hungry – very hungry in one of the greatest nations in the world.
According to research done by Children's HealthWatch, children in families who receive SNAP benefits are more likely to be classified as well than children whose families are eligible for SNAP but do not receive it. This was due in part to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which raised SNAP benefits almost 13.6% in 2009. Participation in the federal government's various food and nutrition assistance programs, is associated with positive health and nutrition outcomes, raising the level of nutrition among low-income households, and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the nation's children
The individual participation rate is higher as States have increased outreach to low-income households, implemented program simplifications and streamlines application processes to make it easier for eligible individuals to apply for and receive SNAP benefits
During disasters, the USDA helps provide emergency aid. During Spring 2011 severe storms, tornados and flooding, the USDA provided over $150 million in Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to help more than 1.1 million individuals.