The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and You
Eating nutritious food is important for a long, healthy life. But, sometimes, purchasing healthy foods feels out of reach when you’re living on a tight budget.
Since 1985, Food Bank of South Jersey has worked to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry by distributing safe and nutritious food, providing nutrition education and cooking courses, and helping our neighbors develop sustainable pathways to improve their lives.
One of the ways we can support our neighbors is by offering aid when it comes to applying for government-funded benefit programs like SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
WHAT IS SNAP?
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP is designed to help low-income individuals buy healthy groceries to maintain adequate nutrition and health by providing food-purchasing assistance.
A critical program, food stamps became a permanent program in 1964. But the purpose behind SNAP today is still the same: to provide low-income households with a way to stretch their food budget to get more nutrition and live healthier lives.
SNAP plays a crucial role in reducing hunger and poverty, improving family stability, health, and employment. As the largest domestic anti-hunger program in America, SNAP helps ensure that vulnerable populations have access to healthy meals.
The extra help offered by SNAP has lifted more than 3.2 million Americans out of poverty. It is often referred to as the first line of defense against food insecurity.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR SNAP?
SNAP is open to everyone who meets the requirements, including families, older adults, college students, active military, veterans, those with disabilities, and those without housing. There are no application fees, and you can apply online.
The Food Bank of South Jersey has SNAP Navigators on staff who can help verify if you are eligible for SNAP, and, if so, apply for the program. Our team can assist over the phone or at a number of community centers and agencies in our region.
The SNAP application takes approximately 20-45 minutes to complete and requires financial resource documents and proof of identity. The size of the benefit received will be based on a family or individual’s income and expenses, though New Jersey has a minimum monthly SNAP benefit amount of $95.
HOW CAN SNAP HELP ME?
If you qualify to receive SNAP benefits, you will receive an electronic benefit transfer card that functions like a debit card. You can use the EBT card to purchase unprepared grocery items at supermarkets, convenience stores, and participating farmers markets. These items include fresh produce, bread, meats, canned goods, and other groceries. You can also buy seeds to grow your own herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
Your SNAP benefits can do more than buy groceries. Your EBT card can unlock other opportunities, such as discounted admission to cultural attractions like museums, online memberships, and even certain retailers.
Healthy, nutrient-rich food is essential to one’s overall well-being. With SNAP benefits, you can stretch your food budget and buy nutritious foods that can keep you and your family healthy.
Learn more about SNAP and set up a pre-screening with our helpful staff to assess your eligibility.
If you have additional questions about your eligibility for other New Jersey food benefit programs, check out our FAQ page. To receive food assistance from the Food Bank of South Jersey, use our zip code locator to find a distribution near you.