It’s a SNAP to End Food Insecurity

March 5, 2019

A couple of issues ago we spoke about help available on campus if you are dealing with food insecurity. In addition to local programs available through FSC’s Health and Wellness Center (call Jamie Hawkins, 631-420-3576), we also told you about SNAP – the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – which is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families via an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. The card is used like a debit card to purchase eligible food in authorized retail food stores.

But you can access SNAP through other sources too. SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson last year created a Food Insecurity Task Force, which also provides a pathway to SNAP through its work with a state-wide organization called Hunger Solutions. The group manages the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program, which operates locally in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Now through March 31, NOEP is conducting a SNAP campaign, dedicated to pairing students with this federal program.

For help in Nassau County, call 516-733-7000 or 516-505-4422. In Suffolk the numbers are 631-789-9546 or 516-505-4428.