SNAP Outreach for Schools - Hunger Solutions New York

COVID-19 UPDATES

SNAP Outreach for Schools: Connecting Families to Nutrition Assistance During the COVID-19 Crisis

COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) is threatening the health, well-being and food security of low-income people. Schools are working hard to support their communities by providing meals to children and partnering to provide emergency food distribution (like backpack programs and food bags) at meal sites. Despite these efforts, some families cannot afford enough food to adequately feed their families.

This outreach toolkit provides resources to help families apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Schools can encourage families to apply for SNAP benefits while informing them about the availability of school meals and providing updates on applying for free and reduced-price (F/RP) school meals.

Outreach Toolkit

Cover letter
Learn the goals and importance of increasing SNAP participation in schools and enrolling additional students into F/RP school meals benefits schools. This can be used to encourage more partners to engage in SNAP outreach.

Flyer for families —also available in Spanish
This one-page resource can be copied and included with meals sent home to families or used for online communications with families. Find your county’s NOEP Coordinator here or view the full list on the back of the flyer.

Sample social media messages
Statements to use on your social media channels, robocalls, robotexts, emails, or any other communications to families. Right click and save any of the images below to post with your messages.

mother and child cooking social media image

mother and child by window social media image

myBenefits Button Graphic
Link to NY State’s MyBenefits online portal, where families can apply for SNAP. Embed on your website or emails. Right click and save the image.

Partnerships

Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP)
Hunger Solutions New York manages the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) to help families apply for SNAP. Families can call or email a local NOEP Coordinator, who can tell them if they may be eligible for SNAP, answer questions, and help complete and submit applications. It is a free and confidential service in counties with a NOEP Coordinator. Find your county’s NOEP Coordinator.

WIC Help NY
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) — If you are pregnant or have a child younger than 5 years old in your home, you may be eligible for WIC. WIC can help provide nutritious foods to keep your family healthy. WIC benefits are now provided on an EBT card, that can be used just like a debit card to shop at WIC-participating stores. WIC Help Specialists are available in 17 counties to help you learn if you may be eligible. Find your local WIC Help Specialist and learn more about WIC or contact your local WIC agency.

For assistance, contact Jessica Pino Goodspeed at Jessica.PinoGoodspeed@HungerSolutionsNY.org.

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