Food assistance resources

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps), is a federal safety net program providing low-income Americans with assistance to feed themselves and their families.

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What is Snap?

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as food stamps), is a federal safety net program providing low-income Americans with assistance to feed themselves and their families. In most cases, SNAP is a temporary, short-term solution for individuals and families to help until they get back on their feet. On average, SNAP participants stay on the program less than a year. The SNAP program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture and is administered in Arkansas through the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

How it works:

SNAP benefits are delivered monthly to eligible participants through electronic debit (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase groceries. Most grocery stores in Arkansas accept SNAP. The EBT cards are programmed to allow the purchase of food but deny other household purchases such as vitamin supplements, hot or prepared food, non-food grocery items, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. For most households, SNAP benefits will not cover their total monthly food cost. To ensure their families have enough food on the table, many low-income people must depend on their local food pantries to bridge the gap until the next month’s benefit is available.

How we help:

SNAP Outreach

Our SNAP Outreach Team works in the field to help determine SNAP eligibility, answer questions, and works as a liaison with the Department of Human Services on behalf of applicants. As a result of the pandemic, we were no longer able to safely go out into the field and help people apply for benefits. In response, we created the SNAP-Ark Call Center, to help Arkansans apply for SNAP, follow up with application questions, and check the status of their benefits. Arkansans seeking help with SNAP applications can call our number free of charge. A Spanish speaking operator is available. The number to call is: 833-762-7275. NOTE: Please leave a message if you call outside of operating hours. A member of our SNAP Outreach team will return your call.

SNAP Matters

Our SNAP Outreach Team conducts workshops explaining the basics of SNAP. This informative session is helpful for businesses, community agencies and individuals to better understand the process of SNAP and how it benefits themselves, the community, and the local economy. Workshops usually last 30 minutes plus a question-and-answer session.

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SNAP Outreach Training Classes

We offer intensive training to businesses and organizations that work with students, clients, or patients who may benefit from SNAP. We provide tools and knowledge to staff and/or volunteers who learn how to best assist individuals and families with SNAP applications. Our Outreach Training classes typically take 2 hours to complete.

For more information or to schedule a SNAP field team, SNAP Matters workshop, or SNAP Outreach Training Class, email Director of SNAP Programs and WIC Outreach Cathy May at cmay@arhungeralliance.org.

Eligibility

Eligibility is based on income and assets, citizenship, and dynamics of the SNAP household: how many members are in the family, the ages of family members, etc. To find out more about eligibility and benefits, contact the Alliance’s SNAP-ARK Call Center at 1-833-762-7275 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Mondays and Fridays or contact Director of SNAP Programs and WIC Outreach Cathy May at cmay@arhungeralliance.org. A Spanish speaking operator is available. Please leave a message if you call outside of operating hours. A member of our SNAP Outreach team will return your call.

RULES AFFECTING ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS: The time limits allowing able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) to receive food assistance benefits have changed. For more information about Employment and Training Opportunity programs in your county, please see map of where these E&T programs are offered.

How to sign up

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Internet

If you have access to the Internet at home, work or at your local library, you can apply for benefits online HERE.

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Phone

If you don’t have Internet access or need additional help applying for SNAP benefits, contact the Alliance’s SNAP-ARK Call Center at 1-833-762-7275 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mondays and Fridays. A Spanish language operator is available. Please leave a message if you call outside of operating hours. A member of our SNAP Outreach team will return your call. Contact Director of SNAP Programs Cathy May at cmay@arhungeralliance.org.

BECOME A SNAP OUTREACH VOLUNTEER

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteering looks a lot different in our current world. Please continue to check our website for more information as we explore virtual and safe, socially distanced volunteer opportunities.