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SNAP/Food Stamp Benefits SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as Food Stamps, serves as our nation’s first line of defense against hunger. SNAP provides low-income people with a consistent means to buy nutritious food at supermarkets and many farmers’ markets using a special debit card. SNAP eligibility is based on residency, family size, income and assets.
In the short-term, federal nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC and Commodity food programs (TEFAP and CSFP) are being funded through February. It is likely these programs will receive March funding, even if the government shuts down again after Feb. 15. SNAP recipients received their February benefits early (Jan.20). This will increase the amount of time between benefit distributions, as March benefits will not be loaded until the beginning of March or later. The gap could be 50 days or more in some states, including Missouri.
How do I know if I qualify for benefits? Harvesters' SNAP Outreach Team can help you determine if you are eligible. Simply call our SNAP hotline at 877.653.9522 or email us at SNAP@harvesters.org. If you would like a member of our SNAP Outreach Team to contact you, please fill out this form. We can conduct a brief, free and confidential screening over the phone, determine if you would qualify, and then assist you with completing and filing your application. You do not have to visit a government office or stand in line. Why is Harvesters involved in SNAP outreach and assistance? Harvesters provides emergency food assistance to low-income families. But hunger rates are at an all time high, and many families need more than one-time emergency help with food. Federal nutrition assistance programs, such as SNAP, are Harvesters’ partners in feeding the hungry. SNAP provides people with a consistent means to purchase the nutritious food they want and need. Learn more about the facts, myths and realities surrounding SNAP.
Other Information The Food Research & Action Center has an interesting interactive map providing state-by-state data on the share of all households that are participating in SNAP, based on American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year data (2011-2015), and the percentage of households participating in SNAP for metro, small town, and rural counties. Scroll over a state to view the participation rates.