Its a SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) in Chicago
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—formerly known as the Food Stamp program—is a federally funded means-tested entitlement program that provides certain low-income individuals and families with a monthly benefit (an allotment) that they can use to buy the food they need to stay healthy. According to an article at the National Council on Aging website a detailed review of the program is below.
How Do the SNAP Benefits Work
People who qualify for SNAP get their benefits through a special card called an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The EBT card works just like a debit card. Your clients buy their groceries at a participating food store and, using the card, the cost is taken out of the account linked to their card.
Here are few things you should know about:
Using SNAP
• Most food stores accept SNAP EBT cards; there are more than 217,000 participating stores nationwide. Many stores have a decal sticker in their window that lets you know they accept SNAP benefits. Use SNAP’s store retailer locator to help you find stores near you that welcome SNAP benefits.
• Under certain circumstances, SNAP benefits can be used in other ways, such as to pay for Meals on Wheels.
• The benefit your clients qualify for is loaded onto their EBT card on a monthly basis. Find out how and when benefits are available in your state.
