Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

How do children qualify for free or reduced meals through the NSLP and/or SBP?

"Categorically eligible" 1.) Participation in certain federal assistance programs (i.e. SNAP) 2.) Based on status as homeless, migrant, runaway, or foster child 3.) Enrollment in federally funded Head Start Program or comparable state pre-K program 4.) Based on household income and family size

Qualification for expedited SNAP

(rent/house payment + utilities) > (monthly income + cash on hand or in the bank), OR Gross income <$150/month and less than $100 cash on hand

3 criteria for a household to qualify for SNAP

1.) Gross monthly income less than or equal to 130% of poverty line, except for households with an elderly or disabled member 2.) Net income (after accounting for things like housing costs and child care) less than or equal to the poverty line. 3.) Asset limit

Two goals of FMNP

1.) Provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants 2.) Expand consumers' awareness and use farmers' markets

What is the Thrifty Food Plan?

A diet plan established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is nutritionally adequate at a very low cost

What is the School Breakfast Program (SBP)?

A federally assisted meal program. Participating schools receive cash subsidies from the USDA if they serve breakfast meals meeting nutrition requirements to all eligible children. Pilot started in 1966. Permanent entitlement program in 1975.

Who determines nutritional risk?

A health professional such as a physician, nutritionist, or nurse. Based on federal guidelines developed by the FNS. Health screening is free to applicants.

SNAP cannot be used to purchase...

Alcoholic beverages Cigarettes Vitamin supplements Hot foods Non-food items: pet food, soap, paper products, medications, household supplies, cosmetics, and toiletries

Where is WIC available?

All 50 states + D.C. 34 Indian Tribal Organizations U.S. territories

Where can SNAP EBT funds be used?

All 50 states and U.S. territories U.S. Department of Agriculture-authorized food retailers or farmers markets

Quality Control (QC)

Checks on the accuracy of states' eligibility and benefit decisions within federal guidelines. States w/error rates >6% are subject to a fiscal penalty.

How does WIC encourage breastfeeding?

Counseling, guidance, education Incentive: Breastfeeding mothers are eligible to participate in WIC longer than non-breastfeeding mothers

Which costs might reduce an applicant's countable income?

Court ordered child support Medical bills not paid by insurance for a household member 60+ or disabled

Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP)

Created in 1998 in response to federal law making noncitizens ineligible for SNAP. State-funded program available to noncitizens ages 50+ Participants receive the same amount of assistance (via EBT) they would have gotten from federally funded SNAP.

How is WIC distributed?

EBT. Mandated Oct. 1, 2020.

Applying for SNAP

Each state designs its own application based on federal guidelines. Includes eligibility interview. Documentation for identity, residency, immigration status, household composition, income, assets, deductible assets.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Established in 1974 to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk

How often must beneficiaries re-apply for SNAP?

Families: Every 6-12 months Seniors & people w/disabilities: Every 12-24 months

Who administers the NSLP and the SBP?

Federal: The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) State: State agencies Local: School food authorities

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

Federally-funded, state-administered entitlement program that serves healthy meals to children in low-income areas during the summer months.

Free or reduced lunch guidelines based on income

Free meals: Incomes below 130% of poverty line Reduced meals: Incomes between 130-185% of poverty line *Price of reduced lunch cannot exceed $0.40

SNAP Employment & Training

Free services to find a job or train for a career. Transportation assistance, access to a computer, interview or work clothing, vocational training, resume help, English language training, etc.

Income eligibility for WIC

Gross income (before taxes) must fall at or below 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. States may choose to set lower income limit standards. Enrollment in other benefit programs might make a family automatically eligible for WIC.

What does the Farm to School initiative do?

Helps school food authorities incorporate fresh, local produce into school lunch menus

WIC foods

Infant cereal, iron-fortified adult cereal, fruit and vegetable juice, eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter, dried or canned beans and peas, canned fish, tofu, fruits and vegetables, baby food, whole-wheat bread, and other whole-grain options

What does the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program do?

Introduces children at participating low-income elementary schools to a variety of produce they might otherwise not have the opportunity to taste

WIC program benefits

Nutrition education, food support, breastfeeding promotion and support, referrals to health and other social services

Team Nutrition initiative

Offered by Food and Nutrition Service of USDA. Provides training and technical assistance to school nutrition professionals to enable them to prepare and serve nutritious meals. Web-based resources that provide education about the link between diet and health.

The National School Lunch Program (1946- present)

Participating schools receive cash subsidies and USDA foods for each reimbursable meal served. Meals must meet federal meal pattern requirements and be offered at a free or reduced price to eligible children.

Who is eligible for WIC?

Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under 5 that meet income guidelines with nutritional risk

WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (1992)

Provides additional coupons to WIC participants that they can use to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets.

"Severe need" schools

Schools that serve a higher percentage of low-income students (>40% on free or reduced price lunch). Eligible for a higher reimbursement rate.

Categories of people NOT eligible for SNAP

Strikers Most college students Certain legal immigrants All undocumented immigrants (Most unemployed childless adults limited to 3 months of SNAP, unless the state has a waiver due to high unemployment)

What does SNAP stand for?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

How many times can a person qualify for expedited SNAP?

There is NO yearly or lifetime limit as long as the beneficiary got regular SNAP in some months in between.

What is "nutrition risk?"

Two major types recognized: 1.) Medically-based risks (ex: anemia, underweight, history of pregnancy complications) 2.) Dietary risks (ex: inappropriate nutrition/feeding practices, failure to meet dietary guidelines)

Which government agency is in charge of SNAP?

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Who administers WIC?

WIC if funded through grants from the federal government, but it is administered by 90 different state agencies. Clinics might be located at schools, county health departments, hospitals, IHS facilities, etc.

WIC formula rebate system

WIC state agencies provide one brand of infant formula and receive a rebate from the manufacturer for each can purchased by WIC participants. The chosen brand varies by state agency depending on which company has the rebate contract.