Do You Know About SNAP?
Eamon Molloy
by Azul Tellez Wright
The COVID19 crisis has left many families scrambling to afford groceries as their hours have been cut or their jobs revoked completely. As a result, Oregonians are seeking food assistance through the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps. Oregon’s Department of Human Services (DHS) received 49,000 SNAP applications in March and April compared to the 400-500 they typically receive each month.[1] In response, DHS allocated an extra $60 million in SNAP benefits for the months of April and May. They recently passed another $30 million for June.[2] As SNAP becomes a necessity for many families, we’ve compiled a list of common questions about the program. Below is a run down of SNAP and how it can be used at farmers markets and elsewhere.
What is SNAP?
SNAP is a federal program to help low-income households purchase food so that they can maintain proper nutrition. The USDA distributes funds to individuals states who then administer the benefits through their Department of Human Services (DHS) offices. Nationwide, 38 million Americans received SNAP benefits in 2019.
Who is eligible to receive SNAP benefits?
Eligibility for SNAP is based on household size (how many people live in the house and eat the food that is purchased) and income. Income includes both earned income (money made from working) and unearned income (unemployment insurance, child support, social security, cash assistance, etc). The best way to check eligibility is to apply.
For more information on eligibility, check out the following websites:
How do I apply?
Filling out an application online is the best way to apply for SNAP benefits. You can apply online at Oregon.gov. While it is possible to apply in person at a DHS office, they are encouraging people to apply online due to COVID.
Where can SNAP be used and on what?
SNAP benefits can be used at most grocery stores, retail food outlets, and farmers markets. SNAP can be used to purchase eligible foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, grains, beans, nuts, and other staples. It cannot be used to purchase hot or ready to eat food items, vitamins, medicine, alcohol, tobacco and non-food and household items. Visit the USDA’s site for a full list of eligible items.
SNAP benefits are distributed monthly through an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, also known as the Oregon Trail card.
What is the Double Up Food Bucks Program? The Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Program is an incentive for SNAP customers to purchase the healthiest items available at the farmers market while empowering them to spend their SNAP funds locally. Each market day, eligible participants can receive up to $10 in matching funds when they purchase SNAP tokens to spend at the market. For example, if you spend $10 of your SNAP dollars at a participating farmers market, you would receive another $10 to buy more locally grown fruits and vegetables. The DUFB voucher is valid for the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh or dried beans, fresh herbs, vegetable & herb starts, and nuts and seeds. DUFB can be used at select farmers markets. Visit Farmers Market Fund’s website for more information.
Can SNAP be used at farmers markets?
Yes! SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food and food-producing plants at the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market. Just like grocery stores, SNAP cannot be used to purchase ready to eat foods or beverages, like coffee. Not all farmers market accept SNAP, so check their website before going.
To use SNAP benefits at the market, first head to the information booth. You’ll be able to use your SNAP card to receive wooden SNAP tokens which can be used as currency at the market. The wooden tokens do not expire but can only be used at the market you bought them from.
More resources for food assistance
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) provides financial support for families who participated in the free and reduced lunch program. P-EBT funds are intended to cover the cost of groceries while students are out of school.
Oregon Food Bank’s Find Food Map- Enter a zip code and the map will pull up the nearest food pantries and their hours.
Partners for Hunger Free Oregon has compiled a thorough list of resources here.
PCC has a list of resources with food and other funding assistance for students.
[1]https://www.kgw.com/article/money/increased-demand-oregon-food-stamp-benefits/283-ec19e656-6cfd-4844-80b8-2e2f8fbdeac8[2]https://www.kdrv.com/content/news/Oregon-rolls-out-30-million-more-in-SNAP-benefits-for-June-570516161.html