SNAP Outreach

SNAP: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally-funded program administered through the RI Department of Human Services to improve food security by providing EBT cards with benefits that families can use to buy nutritious foods. SNAP is a critical benefit for Rhode Islanders who need food assistance, yet some eligible Rhode Islanders struggle with the enrollment process and may not even know they are eligible.

The Food Bank deploys a trained team of bi-lingual outreach staff to visit agencies across the state each month to assist guests who may be eligible to apply for SNAP. The team helps guests understand SNAP eligibility, fill out application forms, answers questions and makes referrals for basic needs and to RI Legal Services when guests need legal help to access benefits. They also provide training to member agencies to support their guests in applying for SNAP. Support is available in English and Spanish and translation services are available for many other languages.

Apply for SNAP Benefits

SNAP Outreach Calendar

Need help with SNAP benefits? Our SNAP Outreach team is available to assist you at a food pantry near you. Use our calendar below to see where our team will be.

SNAP FAQ

Applications are accepted online, on paper, by phone, or in person at the Rhode Island Department of Human Services. The Food Bank’s SNAP Outreach Team can help – below, you’ll find a calendar of SNAP outreach visits at our member agencies.

Yes. Discounts and assistance on a variety of other services are available to SNAP recipients.

Households must meet certain requirements to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits. Eligibility and benefit amounts are based on income, expenses and number of people living in the household. Individuals, couples and families may qualify if their income is less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

For seniors age 60 and older, eligibility and benefits depend on income and expenses. For seniors or disabled people with a household income over 200% FPL there is a resource test. If you are age 60 or over or disabled, your medical expenses can be deducted from your income and may increase your SNAP benefits.

People without a permanent address may still qualify for SNAP. This includes individuals or families who are temporarily staying in a shelter, motel or someone else’s home for less than 90 days. For mail regarding SNAP, individuals may use the address of an authorized representative, or have it mailed to a shelter. Note: The guide linked below is a State document. Available in English only.

Please see the guidelines linked below. Certain assets are not counted when determining eligibility for SNAP. These include home; resources of people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI); resources of people who receive Rhode Island Works (RIW); and retirement and pension plans.

Undocumented individuals or Visa holders are not eligible for SNAP but their children may be. If the child is a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) or a citizen, their parent can apply for them. Immigrants with LPR status, or immigrants who have come to the United States as a refugee or asylee may be eligible for SNAP benefits. Applying for SNAP benefits will not affect any future application for Legal Permanent Residency (LPR) for citizenship. An immigrant will not be deported, denied entry to the U.S., or denied permanent status because their family receives SNAP.

SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Benefits are automatically loaded into the account each month. EBT cards can be used to buy groceries at authorized food stores and retailers. Benefits are made available on the first day of every month.

The Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) will tell you in writing if your SNAP application is denied or your SNAP benefits are changing. It is your right to disagree with their decision. Every notice from the DHS will have an appeal attached to it.