SNAP Outreach
It’s nice to know we can keep the light on. When we get groceries, we’re able to at least keep the lights on. We have a lot of bills. Sometimes the water would get turned off...having the food is allowing us to pay for basic utilities. Ralph, age 46
“Food stamps” help families get through temporary hard times
Ozarks Food Harvest assists individuals and families with applying for SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly known as “food stamps.” By doing so, The Food Bank is reducing barriers to food assistance and providing people a sustainable means of purchasing the food they need. Last fiscal year, Ozarks Food Harvest assisted 1,239 families with submitting their SNAP applications to the state of Missouri. This generated more than $3.6 million worth of SNAP benefits for food-insecure individuals to spend on food. That’s 1.3 million meals provided to children, families and seniors across our 28-county service area.
If you need help paying for groceries, call Ozarks Food Harvest at (417) 429-0853 to see if you qualify. Or, share this SNAP number with someone who may need it. The Food Bank staff will help with the application and answer questions about eligibility.
SNAP is effective and efficient
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Allows pantries to feed more
Ozarks Food Harvest-member agencies may see less visits from individuals when they are not relying on food pantries for groceries.
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Helps individuals transition to self-sufficiency
Participants are allowed to choose food items that meet their specific needs and depending on their situation may be eligible for 3, 6, 12 or 24 months.
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Stimulates economic growth
One dollar spent with SNAP benefits generates 1.7 dollars in total economic activity.
Myths vs. Facts
SNAP helps low-income families buy nutritious food from retailers
The federally-funded program helps people put food on the table, providing benefits that are timely, targeted and temporary. And it responds quickly to changes in need, growing in response to increases in poverty and unemployment. SNAP is also targeted to the most vulnerable citizens—predominantly serving households with children, seniors and disabled individuals. The benefits phase out as participants get back on their feet, with the average household staying on the program less than one year.
Current Eligibility Guidelines per Household Size:
Note: Guidelines vary for households with a disabled or senior member. For each additional person in your household above eight, add $557 to your gross monthly income.
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1
member per household
Gross Monthly Income limit: $1,580
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2
members per household
Gross Monthly Income limit: $2,137
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3
members per household
Gross Monthly Income limit: $2,694
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4
members per household
Gross Monthly Income limit: $3,250
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5
members per household
Gross Monthly Income limit: $3,807
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6
members per household
Gross Monthly Income limit: $4,364
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7
members per household
Gross Monthly Income limit: $4,921
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8
members per household
Gross Monthly Income limit: $5,478
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9+
members per household
For each additional person in your household, add $557
Apply for SNAP
How does SNAP work?
SNAP benefits are delivered monthly to eligible participants through electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase groceries at more than 260,000 authorized retailers nationwide.
These cards are programmed to allow for the purchase of food only. Other items sold at authorized retailers are prohibited, such as non-food items, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. In some instances, senior, disabled or homeless participants, who lack the ability to prepare meals at home, may purchase prepared meals at low-cost restaurants.
EBT cards are also accepted at local farmers markets. Those who use SNAP can double their dollars spent a several area farmers markets when they buy produce, up to $25 per day.
Download this flyer to learn more about the Double Up Food Bucks program. Spanish Version
TO START THE SNAP APPLICATION PROCESS:
CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK: SNAP Application
Don’t see a time that fits your schedule? Call 417-429-0853, extension 298. Leave a message and a SNAP representative will return your call as soon as possible.
Did you know nearly 30% of those eligible for SNAP do not apply, simply because they don’t think they’ll qualify? Keep in mind that receiving benefits does not take away from others — there are thousands of dollars of unclaimed benefits in SWMO every month. Adults without children may also be eligible, and many people working or receiving SS, SSI, SSDI or Unemployment are eligible. Eligibility is even possible if you have a car, house or savings. Unused benefits can also roll over up to 365 days.