SNAP

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal government program that aids 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 approved for SNAP receive a monthly benefit loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card. The EBT card works like a bank debit card and is for buying approved food items at grocery retailers.

Are you eligible for SNAP?

Wondering if you qualify for SNAP benefits? Fill out this short form or contact our SNAP Outreach team at snap@foodbanknwi.org or 219-980-1777, ext 306.

What is SNAP outreach and 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 often do not think the process is ‘worth it’. The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana stresses that the minimum monthly benefit amount, $23, can go a long way for a one or two person household, and approval for SNAP usually will qualify the household for other community resources.
The SNAP Outreach Team sends Food Bank staff to strategic community centers, faith-based organizations, and residential housing facilities to help eligible Hoosiers sign up for SNAP benefits.
 
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. Program Specialists arrive 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.

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