Call our SNAP outreach team at (413) 992-6204 for additional information or assistance!
Keep your SNAP Benefits Safe: SNAP skimming and what to do if your benefits are stolen
Do you need help buying groceries every month? The federal nutrition program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—or food stamps) is available for you. Everyone can apply for SNAP benefits–college students, seniors over 60, people with disabilities, homeless individuals, and families. Call the Food Bank’s SNAP line at 413-992-6204 and one of our Coordinators can quickly tell you if you’re eligible and help you apply for SNAP benefits over the phone. If you need help in languages other than English and Spanish, we can assist with those, too. Our services are free to all Western Massachusetts residents.
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 the additional SNAP benefits with these fliers from MLRI >
Check the income guidelines for your household size below and give one of our SNAP Coordinators a call today at 413-992-6204.
Eligibility
Eligibility is determined by The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and is dependent upon a household’s size, composition, income and expenses.
Income Guidelines
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.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| (200% of federal poverty level) | |
| 1 | $2510 |
| 2 | $3407 |
| 3 | $4303 |
| 4 | $5200 |
| 5 | $6097 |
| 6 | $6993 |
| 7 | $7890 |
| 8 | $8787 |
| Each additional member | +$897 |
Visit DTA’s website for more information about eligibility.
What Can Be Purchased
- You can use your benefits to purchase food for your household, such as bread, meat, cold deli items, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, chilled prepared foods, and frozen food.
- You can also purchase seeds and plants to grow food for your household.
- SNAP benefits can’t be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, pet food, soap, toiletries, diapers, paper products, cleaning products, vitamins or medicine, and hot prepared meals.
Apply
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 over the phone. For assistance with the application process, please contact our SNAP outreach team at (413) 992-6204.
- Or, to download the application, or to apply online, visit mass.gov/snap.
- We are not able to accept SNAP Applications or proof documents via fax. Please call us to apply over the phone.
The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
HIP, the Healthy Incentives Program, is an innovative program that SNAP recipients can use to match their SNAP benefits dollar-for-dollar at farmers market, CSAs, and farm stands.
SNAP Enrollment Events This Month
Food Bank staff and volunteers will be available to answer all your questions, provide pre-screening, determine eligibility and offer application assistance.
Berkshire County
| Location | Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHP Great Barrington | 442 Stockbridge Rd. Great Barrington | Monday December 23 | 10 a.m. – 3 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.
Hampden County
| Location | Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Tuesday December 3 | 12:30 – 4 p.m. |
| All Inclusive Support Services at Hampden County Sheriffs Dept | 736 State St. Springfield | Wednesday December 4 | 9 – 11 a.m. |
| Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Thursday December 5 | 12:30 – 4 p.m. |
| MLK Jr. Family Services | 3 Rutland St. Springfield | Thursday December 5 | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
| Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Tuesday December 10 | 12:30 – 4 p.m. |
| All Inclusive Support Services at Hampden County Sheriffs Dept | 736 State St. Springfield | Wednesday December 11 | 9 – 11 a.m. |
| Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Thursday December 12 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
| MLK Jr. Family Services | 3 Rutland St. Springfield | Thursday December 12 | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
| Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Tuesday December 17 | 12:30 – 4 p.m. |
| All Inclusive Support Services at Hampden County Sheriffs Dept | 736 State St. Springfield | Wednesday December 18 | 9 – 11 a.m. |
| Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | 25 Carew St. Chicopee | Thursday December 19 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
| MLK Jr. Family Services | 3 Rutland St. Springfield | Thursday December 19 | 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
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.
Call our SNAP outreach team at (413) 992-6204 for additional information or assistance. We are not able to accept SNAP Applications or proof documents via fax. Please call us to apply over the phone.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
Resources for college students
See our list of college-run pantries and SNAP eligibility information.
