The Food Stamp Program is a nutrition assistance program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need for good health. It is a Federal nutrition program guaranteed to anyone who meets the eligibity requirements, similar to Social Security or Medicare.
Any US Citizen or legal resident who has a valid U.S. Social Security number can apply. It is also safe to apply for one's children born in the U.S. even if the parents are ineligible.
Eligibility Guidelines:
The GROSS monthly income limits are as follows:
Household of 1 : $1,174
Household of 2 : $1,579
Household of 3 : $1,984
Household of 4 : $2,389*
*Add $406 for each additional person
Asset Guidelines *The sum of a household's cash on hand and bank accounts can total no more than $2,000. If a household member is 60 years old or better, or permanently disabled, the limit is $3,000. As of July 2009, if there is a child under age 18 in the household, there is no limit on how much money a household has in bank accounts. Since October 2008, retirement accounts do not count toward the asset limit. Folks receiving SSI are not eligible for Food Stamps.
Did you know?
More than 11,000 Humboldt County residents are currently enrolled in the Food Stamp Program, representing about half of Humboldt County folks eligible for the program, and they spend approximately 1.7 million dollars each month at local grocery stores and farmers' markets.
That leaves more than 12,000 Humboldt County residents who are eligible for the program but not participating in it.
Humboldt County misses out on more than $14 million in yearly federal funds due to underutilization of the Food Stamp Program. Food for People is working to enroll the remaining half of Humboldt County folks eligible for the Food Stamp Program.
For further questions about the Food Stamp Program & to find out how to sign up contact:
Mike Canning at 445-3166 x. 308
