SNAP & Food Support Programs

It is estimated that every $1.00 in SNAP benefits during 2009 generated about

$1.70 in economic activity

The average SNAP recipient received about

$127 a month in 2018

eligibility for SNAP

-Candidates complete an application and are interviewed by phone or in person by a county human services worker to determine nutritional assistance -Household size (does not have to be a family), income, and other factors determine program eligibility and benefit amounts -Legal noncitizens, age 50 + who are not eligible under the federal SNAP program can receive state-funded nutrition assistance from the MN FAP -Families with children who receive financial assistance also recieve SNA as part of the MFIP

Federal & state regulations

-Minnesota prohibits the use of EBT cards at terminals located in, or attached to, gambling establishments -The food portion (snap) of an EBT card can only be used at US Department of Ag authorized food retailers or authorized farmers markets to purchase foods such as breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry and dairy products -Non food items such as pet food, soaps, paper products, medicines, vitamins, household supplies, grooming items and cosmetics are ineligible for purchase -Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, hot foods, and any food sold for on-premise consumption result in a variety of actions, including temporary or permanent program disqualification -Acess to cash assistance program benefits with MN EBT cards is restricted to Iowa, ND, SD and WI -Federal regulations prohibit accessing TANF benefits at gambling or retail establishments that provide adult-oriented entertainment (Strip clubs, bars)

MFAP eligiblity

-Participants must meet all eligibility conditions for food support execpt for US citizenship -Participants must be qualified noncitizens or must be noncitizens lawfully residing in the United States -Participants must reside in Minnesota -Participants must not be receiving assistance from the MFIP

To qualify for SNAP benefits, a household must meet three criteria

1. Its gross monthly income generally must be at or below 130% of the poverty line, or $2,252 a month for a 3 person family in fiscal year 2019 (MN is 165%) 2. Its net monthly income, or income after deductions are applied for utems such as high housing costs and child care must be less than or equal to the poverty line 3. Its assets must fall below certain limits (limits are $2,250 for households without an elderly or disabled member nad $3,500 for those with an elderly or disabled member (MN does not have an asset limit!)

2/3 of SNAP participants are families with children

1/3 of SNAP participants are households with seniors or people with disabilities

2019 in Minnesota

128,908 households with an income at or below 165% of the federal poverty guidelines received SNAP assistance only

The benefit formula assumes that families will spend

30% of their net income for food

In 2018, the federal government spent $68 billion on SNAP and other food assistance programs

92% of SNAP spending went directly to benefits that households used to purchase food, and 7% went to state administrative costs

USDA (US Department of Agriculture)

A department of the United States government that manages various programs related to food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development and nutrition.

SNAP is an entitlement program

Guaranteed benefits to everyone who is eligible

If you apply before the 15th of the month, you can get 1 months worth of food stamps

If you apply after the 15th of the month, you can get food stamps for the days left in that month

Minnesota Food Assistance Program

MFAP was created by the 1998 Minnesota Legislature in response to federal law changes, which made certain noncitizens ineligible for federally funded food support. MFAP uses state funds to replace the benefits lost when federal food support eligibility ended. MFAP is ONLY used for noncitizens 50 years or older

Expedited (Emergency) food stamps

MN: They have to give you the expedited food stamps within 5 days ND: They have to give you the expedited food stamps within 7 days

The Special supplemental nutrition program for women infants and children (WIC Program)

Nutritional and health program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy

SNAP

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Provides important nutritional support for low-wage working families, low-income seniors and people with disabilities living on fixed incomes

For MFIP or GA cash, you have to wait 30 days after moving to MN

This 30 days does not apply yo food stamps

Who can get expedited food stamps?

You can get EFS if you don't have money for food because: -Rent or house payment, plus utility bills are more than your monthly income plus the money in your hands/bank -Your gross income is <$150 a month & you have <$100 cash/bank

Summer Food Service Program

ensures that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.

What is the national school lunch program?

federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools and residential child care institutions

What is the school breakfast program?

offer free or reduced price breakfast to all eligible children