S.N.A.P.

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Hungry?

Eating on a budget is tough. The dollar menu sounds great at first but sometimes a home cooked meal is what your stomach is growling for. How are you going to make a meal at home with no money for groceries?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, once known as food stamps is the states way of helping you buy food.

How do I get SNAP?

You can print the application from Here and mail, fax or drop it off at to your local Department of Social Services, or D.S.S., office. If you don’t have a printer, you can call or stop by your local D.S.S. office and either pick it up or have it mailed to you. You will then be assigned a case worker who will interview you either by phone or in person.

To find a local D.S.S. office, use this helpful guide found here.

Am I eligible for SNAP?

SNAP bases its income levels on the federal poverty levels. The chart below shows the 2013 monthly income limits to apply, however, you can also take this 10 minute survey to see if you qualify. Click Here for the survey.

Monthly Income Limits
Household Size	Gross Income Limit (applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age  or older, or  receives disability income)	Net Income Limit (applies to ALL households)
1	$1,723	$931
2	$2,333	$1,261
3	$2,944	$1,591
4	$3,554	$1,921

What can I actually buy with SNAP?

SNAP can only be used to buy food, beverages, and food-producing seeds and plants. You cannot buy alcohol, tobacco, pet food, soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, non-prescription drugs, or any other non-food item with SNAP. You are also not allowed to buy any pre-heated foods with SNAP. Here’s a detailed list of what you can and can’t buy.

How can I eat healthy with SNAP?

After all that fast food, your body will be craving something more nutritious. Luckily we have SNAP-ed, a system provided to educate us on buying the right foods and even provides recipes for healthy low-cost eating. Interested? Click Here.

For great bargains on produce, go to your local farmer’s market! The state of Connecticut has paired up with the Department of Agriculture to accept SNAP payments to promote healthier eating. Here’s a list of the Farmer’s Markets who now accept SNAP. Often times, they will run special programs that will double the amount of money you can actually spend on the produce, so you can enjoy all your favorite fruits and veggies.

If you have any specific questions on SNAP or another DSS program, please email us at wisdohblog@yahoo.com or leave a comment below!