The tough economic times and the high household bills are making it very difficult for many New Jerseyans to put healthy food on their tables. The SNAP (formerly known as Food stamps) program serves as a front-line defense against hunger, helping families to make ends meet and bringing federal dollars into local communities during economic hard times. The Food Stamp Outreach Program’s primary goal is to empower individuals who deserve food stamps benefits to apply for them.
Our Food Stamp Outreach team visits Emergency Food Pantries, Senior Centers, Soup Kitchens, churches and other community sites serving low-income families to offer a free prescreening for Food Stamps eligibility. Those likely to be eligible for food stamps benefits will also receive assistance filling out an online application. Our Outreach Team also helps prepares eligible individuals for the interview process at County Board of Social Services.
WHO QUALIFIES
You may qualify if your income and other resources are under certain limits. New changes to the food stamp program have increased the maximum income limits, allowed a higher utility deduction and have eliminated some assets from the calculation. You can have a car, a house, and or some savings and still be eligible.
WHERE CAN I GET HELP
Visit one of our sites. View our current Food Stamp Outreach dates on the calendar. Call the Food Stamp Outreach Program to speak with one of our food stamp outreach assistants at 1-800-609-3663. You can also apply online at https://oneapp.dhs.state.nj.us/
BECOMING AN OUTREACH HOST SITE
Would you like to offer food stamp services at your site? We can evaluate your location to see if it meets our basic requirements. We need you to provide table space near electrical outlets and promote our visit. We will bring our own laptop computers, information and experience. Call 1-800-609-3663 or email foodstampsinfo@njfoodbank.org.
VOLUNTEER
We need volunteers to assist the Food Stamp Outreach team. Volunteers help our coordinators by preparing the clients while they wait and at times help with the applications. The sites are located in Morris, Essex, Union, Hudson, Passaic, Bergen, Middlesex and Somerset counties. The visits can be during the day, evening or weekends. Volunteers can choose a time and place that is convenient. In addition, we train Food Stamp Volunteers so they are able to provide quality assistance and make the most of their volunteer time. To find out more or attend a training session, call 1-800-609-3663 or email foodstampsinfo@njfoodbank.org.
