SNAP

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  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was formerly called the Food Stamp Program. Low-income families can apply for benefits by completing an application form in their state. Recipients are provided with an electronic card that may be used in most grocery stores to purchase eligible foods.
  
  

Eligibility

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  Families must meet eligibility requirements and must provide documentation of their situation and resources. Those who may apply include U.S. citizens and legal immigrants who are elderly or children. There are benefit limits for unemployed adults who are able to work and are childless. Monthly income must be a minimum of 130 percent less than the current Federal poverty guidelines for gross income and 100 percent or less for net income. No more than $2,000 in resources (i.e., bank account) is permitted. All members of the household must submit a Social Security number.
  
  

Allowed Purchases

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  SNAP benefits may be used to purchase foods for the family to eat, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, cereals, breads and dairy products. They are also permitted to purchase plants or seeds to produce food. Items that are not allowed with SNAP benefits include cigarettes or tobacco, beer, wine, liquor, vitamins and medicines, pet foods, household supplies, soaps, paper products, food to be consumed in the store and hot food items.
  
  

Statistics

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  Based on information collected in the 2006 fiscal year, 52 percent of the households receiving benefits included children and 9 percent were elderly (age 60 and older). At that time, the gross monthly income average was $673. Of all benefits awarded, 76 percent went to homes with children, 16 percent to disabled individuals and 9 percent to the elderly. The largest part of the 33 percent single parent households were led by women.
  
  

WIC

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  The Women, Infants and Children Program is also administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Federal grants are awarded to individual states to provide supplemental food to low-income women and children up to the age of 5 who are at risk for poor nutrition. It includes women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. They also provide referrals for health care and nutrition education. Application is made through state or local agencies, and eligibility requirements are similar to those for SNAP. WIC is a short-term program that typically provides benefits for 6 months to 1 year.