Eaters, learn how to apply for SNAP and other federal and state programs for food assistance.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized grocery stores, food retailers, and participating farmers markets.
Many farmers markets have programs to make your SNAP dollars go further on fresh fruits and veggies.
In addition to SNAP, there are many other federal and state programs that offer food assistance based on certain demographics, locations, and life circumstances.
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger. Use their site to find a community food program near you.
The Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) program helps to support Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry statewide – making connections between production agriculture and the nonprofit sector responsible for getting more nutritious food into the hands of Pennsylvanians at risk of hunger.
MarketLink is a program of the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP) that assists farmers and markets with accepting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly Food Stamps) and electronic payments.