Nutritional Assistance

Allegany County Department of Social Services Nutritional Assistance

585-268-9622

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

The purpose of this release is to provide updated information about the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), a program administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) that offers the opportunity for low-income children 18 years of age and younger, as well as disabled young adults over age 18 enrolled in school programs for persons with disabilities, to receive free, nutritious meals during the summer months when schools are not in session.

SNAP Benefits

SNAP benefits help ensure that low-income families, many of whom are employed, can meet their nutritional needs. Eligibility is based on both income and resources. SNAP benefits allow recipients to purchase the food of their choice at almost all grocery stores. SNAP recipients also receive periodic information from the Department about nutrition.

Individuals who wish to apply for SNAP benefits can apply on line at www.mybenefits.ny.gov. Applications can also be accepted by mail, fax, or in person at the Department of Social Services in Belmont. All applicants must be interviewed for eligibility. When applying on-line, by mail, or by fax, the Department will attempt to contact the applicant by phone for an interview. If applying in person the individual can choose to stay for an in-person interview or be contacted for a phone interview. Individuals may also apply through the following community resources: SNAP Outreach and Assistance at Foodlink, Inc. contact (585) 328-3380 ext. 150 and NOEP offices contact (877) 787-0549. In addition, you may like to ask about free Nutrition Education which is available to qualified individuals.

To apply for SNAP benefits you’ll need to complete an application and have an eligibility interview. You may be asked to provide the following documents and it would help to bring them with you if you are applying in person.

• birth certificate, driver’s license or other proof of your identity.
• social security number for all household members, including children.
• rent receipt/lease agreement or mortgage/taxes/insurance.
• gas, telephone, or electric bills
• bank statements on all checking, savings, and other accounts, including CD’s, bonds, credit unions, etc.
• pay stubs for all employment income, or self-employed records.
• copies of Social Security, VA, or other checks received.
• cancelled checks or other proof of payment to child care providers.
• cancelled checks or other proof of payment to medical provider or for Health Insurance.

EBT

New York State participates in the Electronic Benefits Issuance System. SNAP benefits are redeemed at you grocery store or super market much like a bank debit card is used. Click on the link below for more information on how to use your benefit card.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Website, “How to Use Your EBT Card”
Households can use SNAP benefits to buy foods for the households to eat, such as:

• breads and cereal
• fruits and vegetables
• meats, fish and poultry
• dairy products
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.

SNAP benefits cannot be used for:

• beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco:
• any nonfood items, such as;
• pet foods
• soaps, paper products
• household supplies
• vitamins and medicine.
• foods that will be eaten in the store
• hot foods

Expedited SNAP benefits

You may be entitled to benefits issued within 5 calendar days following the day your application was filed with the department if you:

• Have not received SNAP benefits during the month of application unless you have entered a domestic violence shelter during the month.
  AND
• Received Expedited SNAP benefits in the past and have provided all the necessary verification or been certified for ongoing benefits since then.
  AND
• Have $100.00 or less in cash, savings or other liquid resources.
  AND
• Have received or expect to receive less than $150.00 in Gross income during the month of application.
  OR
• Have total liquid resources PLUS gross income that is less than your monthly rent or mortgage PLUS your utility expenses for the month of aplication.
  OR
• Are a migrant/seasonal farm worker with less than $100.00 in liquid resources
  AND
• your only income for the month of application was terminated before you applied.
  OR
• Your only income for the month of application is new and no more than $25.00 gross income will be received within 10 days after your application.

SNAP-Ed New York

SNAP-Ed NY is an educational program teaching people to shop for and cook healthy meals while on a limited budget! The goal is to give you the tools, tips and tricks to help you make nutritious food choices within a limited budget and choose a more physically active lifestyle. SNAP-Ed works with multiple people and venues to make the healthy choice the easy choice for our communities.

If you’re interested in learning more for your family, or want to bring the program to your local agency, community or school, connect with SNAP-Ed at www.snapedny.org. You can also contact Patty Amidon, Allegany County’s local SNAP-Ed New York Project Manager.
5435A County Road 48. Belmont, NY 14813
Phone: 585-268-7644, ext. 12
Email: paa79@cornell.edu