Tag: SNAP

SNAP for Health!

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One in four adults is at risk of poor health due to a lack of money to purchase healthy foods. Nutrient-rich foods like produce, dairy, grains, and lean meats contain a variety of nutrients for health. Not having enough of these foods can lead to increased health problems, hospitalizations, and loss of independence due to disease.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible adults afford nutrient-rich foods to supplement their food supply. SNAP can be used to buy any food that will be prepared and eaten at home. It can also be used to purchase plants and seeds to grow vegetables, herbs, and fruit. SNAP cannot be used for hot foods, in-store dining, or nonfood items. If you or someone you know would benefit from SNAP, use the following connections:

Online—Department of Health and Human Services portal, https://hhsservices.iowa.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal, to fill out an application.

By Phone (with assistance)—SNAP Hotline: 855-944-FOOD (3663); 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

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Double Up Food Bucks

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Vegetables

The Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Incentive Program helps Iowans with low incomes buy fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also a way to support local economies in your community.

You must use your SNAP EBT card to buy fresh produce at participating grocery stores or farmers markets. DUFB will give you an extra dollar for every dollar you spend up to $10 on fruits and vegetables. That means you can buy even more produce.

If you live in Iowa, visit the Healthiest State Initiative, iowahealthieststate.com, to find a DUFB location near you. If you are not in Iowa, check out Double Up Food Bucks, doubleupamerica.org, to find participating grocery stores and farmers markets in your area.

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Wireless EBT Project

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Iowans with limited incomes receiving SNAP have access to locally grown farm-fresh food at selected farmers markets with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ Wireless EBT Project. This project provides wireless machines to farmers across the state. This allows farmers to accept SNAP EBT, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express cards. The program is a win-win for Iowans! You can use your EBT, credit, or debit card to purchase food at the farmers markets, making it easy to access fresh local Iowa food. The project helps farmers sell their products to people that may not have been able to buy them before. For more information and to see if you qualify for SNAP, call the hotline number, 1-855-944-3663.

Check out your local farmers market to see if they participate in the Wireless EBT Project.

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Busted: SNAP Myths

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Having access to safe and nutritious foods is important in all stages of life. About 250,000 Iowans do not have enough money to buy food! The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest hunger prevention program in the United States. Misconceptions are preventing older adults from using SNAP benefits.

  • “If I use SNAP, I’m taking it away from someone in greater need.” All who are eligible and enroll in the program will receive assistance.
  • “I won’t be able to use SNAP where I live.” SNAP is accepted in many places, including grocery stores, convenience stores, Schwan’s, farmers markets, and Meals on Wheels. Look for an EBT sign to determine if a vendor accepts SNAP.
  • “Applying is hard.” There is help available during the application process. To see if you, a friend, or a family member qualifies for SNAP, call 1-855-944-3663 or visit SNAP Eligibility, dhhs.iowa.gov/food-assistance/eligibility.

Source: National Council on Aging, www.ncoa.org

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Go SNAP, For Healthy Foods

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More than 38 million adults and children in the United States are going hungry. In Iowa, 1 in 11 Iowans face hunger. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s largest anti-hunger federal program. It fights poverty by improving access to affordable and nutritious food. SNAP allows individuals and families with limited income to buy food. It can also be used to buy seeds and plants to grow food.

People can use SNAP benefits at grocery stores, convenience stores, and even farmers markets! Farmers markets sell fresh, local produce that help you enjoy the taste of summer.

If you need help completing the online or paper application, you may contact your local DHS office. You can also call the Iowa SNAP Hotline, 855-944-3663, to speak with someone who can help with the SNAP application. The hotline is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Sources:
Food Bank of Iowa, foodbankiowa.org
Food Security in the U.S., bit.ly/3sWyiI8

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