Food Bank announces SNAP Outreach Program
The Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico has recently launched a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach and Advocacy Program aimed to help provide SNAP application assistance to low-income families applying for benefits and increase awareness of the SNAP Program.
The SNAP Program, formerly and commonly known as food stamps, is a federal nutrition program from the USDA. SNAP provides eligible families and individuals the ability to purchase food using an electronic debit card (EBT) at grocery stores and farmers markets that accept EBT benefits.
The Food Bank can provide direct assistance with applications by setting up an appointment with the SNAP Outreach coordinator by calling 575-763-6130. Criteria for possibly qualifying for the SNAP Program include working part-time, working for minimum wage, being unemployed, receiving other public assistance, being elderly, being disabled or being homeless.
“According to Feeding America, about 19 percent of New Mexicans who qualify for SNAP benefits do not use them. With this initiative we hope that we can act as community advocates for the SNAP program and reduce barriers for people to access food,” said Food Bank Executive Director Dianna Sprague.
For more information about SNAP and other food resources in eastern New Mexico contact the Food Bank at 575-763-6130 or visit the Food Bank’s website at www.fbenm.org
In its 36 the year, the Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico distributes more than 1 million meals each year in Curry, Roosevelt, DeBaca, Quay, and Guadalupe Counties.
