Many families are struggling to make ends meet these days, and the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, can be a great help. SHARE is launching a new effort to let its members know about the SNAP program since they can stretch this government benefit even further by purchasing food through SHARE.
Anyone who thinks they might be eligible should look into their local food stamp program. The minimum benefits have increased, and benefits can be saved up for as much as a year. It’s worth the time to learn whether you might be eligible. See below for details on eligibility information in your area.
There are many myths out there about food stamps. Food stamp benefits are an entitlement, or right--not welfare. You aren’t taking away from anyone else if you receive benefits. Most participants are employed. Benefits are now issued on a plastic card that looks just like a credit or debit card. You may be able to get benefits even if you receive Social Security, SSI or other insurance payments. And you may be able to receive food stamp benefits even if you have a car and own your home.
SNAP benefits are administered by state governments, and each state has a slightly different process for finding out if you are eligible.
In Wisconsin, the food stamp program is called FoodShare. If you live in the counties of Adams, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Juneau, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Rock, Sauk or Vernon, you can call the Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin’s FoodShare Helpline at 877-366-3635. In other Wisconsin counties, call 800-362-3002 or visit dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/.
The Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is seeking volunteers to help staff its FoodShare Helpline in the counties listed above. Volunteers must be age 18 or older. If you are interested, contact Tanya Payne at 608-223-9121 x114.
In Illinois, call toll-free 800-843-6154 (Voice) or 800-447-6404 (TTY) if you have questions or need help with the application for the Food Stamp Program. Or visit www.dhs.state.il.us/.
In Michigan, the Food Stamp Partnership runs the Food And Nutrition Program Helpline, which can be reached at 800-481-4989. Or visit www.foodstamphelp.org for more information.
In Minnesota, the program is called Food Support. Call 800-657-3698 or visit www.dhs.state.mn.us. For TTY service, call the Minnesota Relay at 800-627-3529 and ask them to call your county human services office. For the Speech-to-Speech Relay, call 877-627-3848.