Our SNAP outreach team can quickly tell you if you’re eligible, and help you apply for SNAP benefits over the phone or online.
The federal nutrition program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—or food stamps) is available for you.
If you need help in languages other than English and Spanish, we can assist with those over the phone. Our services are free to all Western Massachusetts residents.
To find out if you qualify and apply over the phone, call the Food Bank’s SNAP line at 413-992-6204 or fill out our SNAP referral form.
Everyone can apply for SNAP benefits–college students, seniors over 60, people with disabilities, homeless individuals, and families.
If you’ve been approved to receive SNAP benefits, you’ll receive an EBT card (it works just like a debit card) so you can buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, and anywhere you see “We Accept EBT” signs.
There are also many additional benefits to SNAP! Learn more about additional SNAP benefits with these fliers >

SNAP Eligibility & Income Guidelines
Eligibility is determined by The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and is dependent upon a household’s size, composition, income and expenses.
Income is just one of the eligibility factors considered in your application. If you meet these income requirements, it does not mean you are definitely eligible for SNAP benefits. Also, you may still qualify if you do not meet these income requirements but have certain expenses that can be deducted from your overall income for qualification.
We highly recommend you give one of our SNAP Coordinators a call today at 413-992-6204 if you have any questions about your eligibility.
The DTA’s website also has more information about eligibility.
Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
---|---|
1 | $2,608 |
2 | $3,525 |
3 | $4,444 |
4 | $5,358 |
5 | $6,275 |
6 | $7,192 |
7 | $8,108 |
8 | $9,025 |
Each additional member | +$917 |
What Can SNAP Purchase?
SNAP Can Purchase food for your household, such as:
- bread
- meat
- cold deli items
- fruits and vegetables
- dairy products
- chilled prepared foods
- frozen food
- seeds and plants to grow food
SNAP Cannot Purchase
- alcohol
- tobacco
- pet food
- soap
- toiletries
- diapers
- paper products
- cleaning products
- vitamins or medicine
- hot, prepared meals
How to Apply for SNAP
The first step in applying for benefits is to complete an application.
Our SNAP Coordinators can prescreen you for eligibility, and if eligible, can complete an application with you over the phone or in-person.
For assistance with the application process, please contact our SNAP outreach team at 413-992-6204 or fill out our SNAP referral form.
The Healthy Incentives Program
HIP, the Healthy Incentives Program, is an innovative program that SNAP recipients can use to match their SNAP benefits dollar-for-dollar up to a monthly cap at farmers markets, CSAs, and farm stands.
Upcoming SNAP Enrollment Events
Food Bank staff will be available to answer your questions, provide pre-screening, determine eligibility and offer application assistance.
You can apply for SNAP at the Food Bank on Tuesdays from 12:30 – 4:00 or Thursdays 9:00 – 12:30. Appointments are required.
Community Outreach Hours
The SNAP team also hosts community outreach hours. No appointment is needed for these hours. Staff can answer your questions, provide pre-screening, determine eligibility and offer application assistance at these events.
Berkshire County
Location | Address | Date | Time | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CHP Great Barrington |
442 Stockbridge Rd. Great Barrington |
Wednesday, October 29 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Hampden County
Location | Address | Date | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Tuesday, October 7 | 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. |
All Inclusive Support Services at Hampden County Sheriffs Department | 736 State St. Springfield | Wednesday, October 8 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Thursday, October 9 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services |
3 Rutland St. Springfield |
Thursday, October 9 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Tuesday, October 14 | 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. |
All Inclusive Support Services at Hampden County Sheriffs Department | 736 State St. Springfield | Wednesday, October 15 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services |
3 Rutland St. Springfield |
Thursday, October 16 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Thursday, October 16 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
All Inclusive Support Services at Hampden County Sheriffs Department | 736 State St. Springfield | Monday, October 20 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Tuesday, October 21 | 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. |
All Inclusive Support Services at Hampden County Sheriffs Department | 736 State St. Springfield | Wednesday, October 22 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services |
3 Rutland St. Springfield |
Thursday, October 23 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Thursday, October 23 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
All Inclusive Support Services at Hampden County Sheriffs Department | 736 State St. Springfield | Monday, October 27 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Tuesday, October 28 | 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. |
All Inclusive Support Services at Hampden County Sheriffs Department | 736 State St. Springfield | Wednesday, October 29 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services |
3 Rutland St. Springfield |
Thursday, October 30 | 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. |
Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Thursday, October 30 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
Franklin County
There are currently no in-person SNAP Outreach events in Franklin County. Please contact our SNAP Team at 413-992-6204 for additional information and assistance.
Hampshire County
There are currently no in-person SNAP Outreach events in Hampshire County. Please contact our SNAP Team at 413-992-6204 for additional information and assistance.
Community Story
“Helping people is in their DNA”
Megan Schuck, Senior SNAP Coordinator at the Food Bank, and Corey Houston, founder of “Breaking the Core,” are passionate about supporting individuals who need assistance. They both spend a lot of time at AISS, All-Inclusive Support Services, in Springfield lending a helping hand.

Our Food Assistance Navigators can help. Visit the Food Assistance Navigation page on 413Cares.org, click the “Contact” button below the green navigation bar, and input your information. You can also call our FAN phone line at 413-206-6276, leave a message with your information, and a Navigator will then be in touch the next business day.