SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) benefits can be used like cash to buy eligible food items from authorized retailers.

Steps to Apply  

1. Complete screening for potential eligibility
2. Complete an online application or submit a written application to your local department of social services. Local offices also have copies of the written application, which you can ask to be mailed to you. The completed application can be mailed or e-mailed back to them if you so choose.

Proof of identity (driver's license or picture I.D.), residence, income, and shelter expenses are required. An interview is also required. If you apply at your local department of social services, the interview may take place at a later date.  Normal processing time is 30 days.  Clients meeting certain criteria may be eligible to receive their benefits within 7 days of applicat

Applications for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or General Relief are considered an application for SNAP, unless you request otherwise.

How do I use SNAP?

SNAP benefits are issued to an EBT card.  You can access your EBT account through this link: http://www.ebt.acs-inc.com/ebtcard/vaebt/ebt_link.jsp or by calling the Customer Service Center at 1-866-281-2448.

What can I buy?

Items that can be purchased with SNAP include:

• Food or food products meant to be eaten by people
• Vegetable seeds and food producing plants, roots, and trees for family consumption
• Baby formula, diabetic, and diet foods
• Edible items used in preparing or preserving food such as spices and herbs, pectin, and shortening
• Water and ice labeled for human consumption
• Snack foods
• Meals delivered to elderly or disabled food stamp recipients if the organization providing the meal is authorized to accept EBT cards

Items that cannot be purchased with SNAP include:

• Prepared hot foods in grocery stores
• Any prepared food (hot or cold) sold and meant to be eaten at the store
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
• Cleaning products, paper products, toiletries, and cooking utensils
• Pet foods
• Items for food preservation such as canning jars and lids, freezer containers, or food wrapping paper
• Medicines, vitamins or minerals
• Items for gardening such as fertilizer and peat moss

Other Resources for Nutrition Assistance:

WIC (Women, Infants, Children) This program is administered by the Virginia Department of Health.  You may contact the local office for more information.

Franklin County Health Department
365 Pell Avenue
P.O. Box 249
Rocky Mount, VA 24151

(540) 484-0292

Franklin County Area Food Resources

http://www.franklincountycares.com/listings.php?cat=Food

 This information is to be used as a guideline only
and is not intended to replace SNAP (Food Stamp) program policy.