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Food Stamps

Applying for Food Stamps

Low-income individuals and families can get help to buy the food they need for good health through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)*. You apply for these benefits by completing a Food Stamp application. Food stamp benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefit Transfer card (EBT) which can be used like an ATM/Debit card. It is accepted at most grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

*Note: As of October 1, 2008, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new Federal Food Stamp Program.

You may qualify for food stamps even if you have a full- or part-time job. Food Stamps stretch a tight food budget to keep your family well-fed and healthy.

How to apply

The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has bilingual staff ready to assist you with the food stamp eligibility evaluation and application process.

The food stamp outreach team also provides free food stamp information and applications to help raise awareness about the food stamp program.

For questions or to learn if you are eligible to receive food stamp benefits please call Barbara Stanley or Juan Orozco 1-800-870-FOOD (3663) extension 232 and 231 or email at bstanley@foodbankccs.org or jorozco@foodbankccs.org.

Who is NOT ELIGIBLE?

Individuals who receive SSI/SSP assistance, and undocumented residents are not eligible for Food Stamps. However, other members of your family might be. If you are a legal non-citizen, you might be eligible for Food Stamps. Other family members in your household who were born in the United States also might be eligible.

Note: Applying for Food Stamps will not hurt your chances of becoming a US citizen. However, food stamp applicants must have a Social Security number.

Pre-Screening Eligibility Tool:

http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/

Download our informational SNAP/Food Stamp Flyer in English (PDF) or in Spanish (PDF).

To download the SNAP (formerly Food Stamp) Application in English click below:
  http://foodbankccs.org/docs-pdfs/SNAPapplication.PDF

To download the SNAP (formerly Food Stamp) Application in Spanish click below:
  http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps/entres/forms/spanish/DFA285_A1SP.pdf

SNAP applications cannot be submitted online. Please print and complete the application and mail to your local County Social Services Department (see list below). Contact Barbara Stanley or Juan Orozco for help and prescreening information.

County Social Services

Find a Social Services office in your area:

Food Stamp Outreach Trainings

Food Stamp Outreach Trainings for Food Bank member agencies and outreach partners:

Myths and Facts workshops

At this training you learn the basics of food stamp eligibility and regulations.

Food Stamp Partner meetings

Training in food stamp updates and advanced regulations held four times a year.

Call (925) 676-7543 for date and times of other trainings.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions or need more information about the Food Stamp Program, please Contact Barbara Stanley at (925) 676-7543 extension 232 or bstanley@foodbankccs.org or Juan Orozco at (925) 676-7543 extension 231 or jorozco@foodbankccs.org.