The Place to Find SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Information

SNAP (which was once known, and still is somewhat, as "food stamps"), can be confusing.  It's funded by the federal government, and has some federal rules, but also has state rules, too.  How do you find information about it?

Here's sort of Information Central: the USDA SNAP page.  It has terrific links, including links to each of the 32 states that have online applications.  They have a page that lists all the toll-free hotlines to the individual state's information, and links to each state's webpage of local SNAP application offices. 
Better yet, each state's page carries a list of advocacy groups that are willing to work with people, explain the in's and out's of eligibility, and give more information on how to get benefits.  There's also a webpage that allows you to put in your town, zip code, or even address, and give you a list of the nearest stores that accept SNAP.  You can use their online pre-screening tool to see if you are eligible for benefits in your state,  and follow their 10 steps to check your eligibility.  And if you just want to talk to a federal human being, the USDA hotline number for SNAP is 1-800-221-5689.


If you already receive SNAP benefits, 41 states and the District of Columbia also have online systems to check your account online, and the link is here.

Double the Food You Can Buy With Food Stamps (SNAP Program)

Last September, I wrote about a program in Michigan and norwest Ohio that allowed you to double the spending power of your food stamps, if you took them to a farmer's market.  What I didn't know was that this program is going on in many other places around the country as well.

Wholesome Wave is a nonprofit dedicated to bring healthier eating opportunities to low and moderate income people, and support sustainable farming.  Towards that end, they are partnering with over 200 nonprofits and farmer's markets in 23 states and the District of Columbia to double the spending power of food stamps!  Where do you find out if this is available where you live?  Check out this list of Wholesome Wave's partners, see if there is one in your area, and contact them to see about how you can double the spending power of your food stamps at a farmer's market near you.  If you live in Connecticut, here's a link to more detailed information on their programs.  In a day when Walmart has to schedule its workforce around SNAP card reloading on the first of each month, you know there's a need to make food stamps stretch double.