By Brandon Hare
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP, provides food benefits to low-income families as one of the many ways we can eliminate food insecurity and reduce poverty, all while stimulating economic growth.
Individuals who apply and are approved receive an EBT card, or electronic benefit transfer, where a financial benefit is loaded monthly in a variable amount based on personal demographics. These benefits can be used to purchase eligible items such as bread and baked goods, dairy items, fish, meats and produce at local retailers and grocery stores. Great strides have been made within the program where these same SNAP benefits can also be used at approved restaurants around the community to buy and enjoy a hot meal.
As if the benefits listed above aren’t already great, the Double Dollar Program is another exciting SNAP incentive clients have the opportunity to take advantage of. The Double Dollar Program is activated when a client chooses to use their SNAP card at the local farmers market. In Alexandria alone, there are plenty to choose from like Old Town, Old Town North, Del Ray and the Market at Southern Towers, to name a few.
Here’s how it works: for every $1 SNAP dollar spent, the client will receive an additional $1 SNAP dollar for up to $30. The additional $30 will be good for fruits and vegetables only, which allows for a healthier diet at home. These SNAP dollars come in the form of tokens designated to their proper market. The awesome thing about these tokens is that they never expire! Therefore, if there are any tokens left over, they can be saved and used in the coming weeks and months. This incentive can only be activated once per day.
With that being said, I always encourage clients to visit different markets daily to maximize their benefits. For example, if a SNAP client visits a market every Saturday and Sunday for an entire month and receives their Double Dollar benefit, they would have earned an additional $240 to spend on fresh produce just by attending and swiping their card.
The SNAP program has really improved the way low-income families are able to expand their grocery budget. Whether you are considered a student, single parent, elderly resident or just someone who needs a little assistance, SNAP can help and is very easy to apply.
If you are interested, feel free to call 833-522-5582 or go online to commonhelp.virginia.gov. You can also visit our office at 4850 Mark Center Drive on the fifth floor from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and staff members will be present to assist and answer any questions you may have concerning the program and its benefits.
The writer is a community services program coordinator in the Department of Community & Human Services in Alexandria.
