WHAT IS SNAP?
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a federal government food-aid program that provides assistance to food-insecure individuals. Eligibility for the program is based on household income, and the benefit amount also takes into account the number of people relying upon that income. Those enrolled in SNAP receive a monthly stipend loaded onto a payment card — much like a credit card. This stipend can be used to buy food products from most food retailers.
FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SNAP
Wondering if you qualify for SNAP benefits? Fill out this short survey or contact our SNAP Outreach team at snap@foodbanknwi.org or 219-980-1777, ext 306.
WHAT IS SNAP OUTREACH & HOW DOES IT WORK?
While the economy has improved slightly since the Great Recession, there is ample evidence of the need for supplemental food assistance by Indiana residents and their families. In order to improve food security for hungry Hoosiers, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana provides outreach and application assistance for SNAP. There are many barriers to SNAP enrollment addressed by SNAP Outreach, including:
- Confusion concerning income guidelines and the application process (People often incorrectly assume that if they work or have any income, they are not eligible).
- Applicants who are only eligible for the minimum benefit do not think the process is ‘worth it’ (The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana stresses that the minimum monthly benefit amount, $15, can go a long way for a one or two person household).
- Applicants are unable to find and/or provide verification documents (The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana provides resources to help clients succeed in each stage of the application process).
The SNAP Outreach Program sends Food Bank outreach staff to strategic community centers, faith-based organizations, and residential housing facilities to help eligible Hoosiers sign up for SNAP benefits. Our outreach coordinators aim to make the process as easy as possible, helping individuals to complete applications, gather the necessary documentation, submit materials and assist with recertification. The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana team holds SNAP Outreach events in food-insecure communities weekly. Our Program Specialist arrives to each location with the technology needed to set up a mobile office space, and, with the needed documentation, they are able to submit applications on site.
WHO DOES THE SNAP PROGRAM BENEFIT?
- Food-insecure Hoosiers – SNAP provides supplemental nutrition to nearly 800,000 Hoosiers. This includes working families, seniors, and other vulnerable Hoosiers who are struggling to put food on the table.
- The Local Business Community – Every $1 distributed through the SNAP program has nearly double that economic impact on the local community, transferring the investment to small businesses and food providers.
- Communities Statewide – Food security can have a big impact on the stability of families and communities statewide, impacting health, safety, education, and our local economies.
ARTICLES/VIDEOS
-Increased SNAP Benefits for College Students
–SNAP Outreach Specialist Supports Community at Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
–Legacy Foundation Funds SNAP Outreach
