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Food Stamp Center
Hunger is unacceptable and preventable.The Food Stamp Program (federally named SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is our nation’s primary nutrition assistance program, stretching the monthly food budgets of all who meet program guidelines. It has been our nation’s first line of defense against hunger for more than 70 years and has been in its current form for nearly 35 years. In 2011, more than 3 million New Yorkers helped feed their family each month with food stamp benefits, bringing billions of federal dollars into local economies. The program can trace its origins back to the Food Stamp Plan, a Depression era food assistance program designed to help needy families. The Program as we know it today began as a pilot in 1961 and was permanently authorized in 1964. In 1974, Congress required every state to offer the Food Stamp Program. The history of the Food Stamp Program:
How does it work?Monthly benefits are automatically deposited in participants’ accounts. Using an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, participants may choose to buy most foods and food-producing seeds and plants from participating local stores, bodegas and participating farmers' markets. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary based on household size, income, expenses and other factors. Food stamp benefits are free to those who meet eligiblity and application requirements. Unfortunately, in NYS many of those who are eligible for food stamp benefits are not receiving them because they do not realize they are eligible.
EligibilityEligibility for the Food Stamp Program is based on factors such as household income, immigrant status, and meeting work requirements. It also has special eligibility rules for households that contain a senior or disabled member. In order to receive food stamps benefits, certain guidelines must be met.
Investing in Our CommunitiesIn tough times, food stamp benefits increase the purchasing power of struggling New Yorkers and help strengthen local economies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that every $5 in food stamp benefits nearly doubles to more than $9 in local economic benefit.
For further assistance in determining whether your family is eligible for food stamps: Nutrition Outreach and Education Program: NOEP Coordinators can provide a free and confidential prescreening for Food Stamp benefits over the phone, in person, and/or through a home visit. They can also assist with the application process, and make sure that a household receives the correct amount of food stamps. myBenefits: NYS new quick and easy website that helps determine if you might be eligible for a variety of nutrition assistance and work support programs. Food Stamps In New York State: An Eligibility Prescreening Guide October 2011: In-depth information on Food Stamp Program eligibility and application process. (Adobe pdf may take a few minutes to load) Article on NYS Nutrition Improvement Project – Some Social Security Income (SSI) recipients can receive Food Stamps automatically.
FundingIn New York State, the Food Stamp Program is funded and governed by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), local county Departments of Social Services, and the Human Resources Administration in New York City. Click here for a chart that outlines the organizational structure of the Food Stamp Program.
Food Stamp Participation in NYSThe Food Stamp Program is greatly underutilized by eligible households in NYS. It is estimated that one-third to one-half of all eligible New Yorkers are not receiving food stamp benefits. Below, find links to other materials concerning food stamp participation in NYS.
The Importance of the Food Stamp Program in NYS - updated Feb 2012 |
Nearly 1 in 5 New Yorkers struggle to feed themselves or their families
Source: Food Research Action Center 2010
