1. Food Bank of the Albemarle SNAP Outreach Program

2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps) SNAP is administered by USDA SNAP is the cornerstone of the federal food assistance programs, serving more than 45 million people each month What is SNAP?

3. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to buy food at grocery stores or a growing number of Farmers’ Markets SNAP puts benefits on the card monthly What is SNAP?

4. Helps buy more food each month and lets people choose healthier foods Frees up money that can be used for other items, such as utilities and medicine Applicant may be eligible for additional help with other expenses such as phone, heat For every dollar spent in FNS benefits, nearly two dollars goes back into the economy SNAP benefits also provide a subsidy to farmers and increase activity in local grocery stores Benefits of SNAP

5. Hunger Facts in NC 1 in 5 children go hungry in NC 35% of hungry families have had to choose between paying for food and their rent/mortgage “Hunger in America 2010″ (released Feb 2, 2010). Feeding America. “Food Hardship in America 2011″ (released Feb 2012). Food Research and Action Center.

6. Anyone may apply for SNAP Who Can Apply for SNAP?

7. Common Myths About SNAP MYTH: You cannot receive SNAP benefits if you have a job. FACT: Individuals may work and still receive SNAP benefits. Read more on our website: http://www.afoodbank.org/http://www.afoodbank.org/

8. Eligibility for SNAP in NC People in household 200% Gross Income 130% Gross Income Net Income 1$1916$1245$ 958 2$2586$1681$1293 3$3256$2116$1628 4$3926$2552$1963 5$4596$2987$2298 6$5266$3423$2633 7$5936$3858$2968 8$6606$4294$3303 The County Department of Social Services determines income limits a household must meet. Income limits are updated every year. (Table updated October 1, 2013)

9. Introduction to SNAP Program Why SNAP Outreach? SNAP is the cornerstone of the Nation’s nutrition safety net Many of our neighbors are unaware of their eligibility or need help to access benefits

10. Introduction to SNAP Program Outreach Goals Increase participation through: Training that covers benefits, eligibility & application assistance Pre-Screening: http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/ Distribution of educational materials, answering questions Positive SNAP messages, reducing stigma surrounding SNAP

11. Identifying Potential Applicants for SNAP Client engagement differs on the population & environment There is no hard and fast rule on how to determine who needs SNAP Small agencies function best with a one-on-one approach

12. Identifying Potential Applicants for SNAP Ask if they currently receive SNAP Not getting SNAP? Why? Have they applied before? How long ago? Be Sensitive…It’s important to not pressure clients, especially when others are near

13. Identifying Potential Applicants for SNAP Many people at pantries are slow to trust because of circumstances in their lives Let them know you are there to help. Some people just need someone to listen

14. Successful Outreach Strategies Increase Awareness Brochures, Postcards or Mailers Target certain audience (seniors, working families, immigrants & students) Can be available in alternate language depending on community demographics Available for free download from USDA website http://snap.ntis.gov/download.aspx http://snap.ntis.gov/download.aspx

15. Introduction to SNAP Program Successful Outreach Strategies Application Assistance Talking to people about SNAP in person Application assistance at mobile pantries, community events Taking the applications directly to DSS reduces dependency on transportation (you may also fax them into the county DSS office) Inform people about online application through ePass https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do

16. Introduction to SNAP Program Successful Outreach Strategies Host a Volunteer Site Pre-screen Clients Provide a semi-private space for FBA staff and/or volunteer to conduct application assistance at the site

17. Talking Points YOU CAN FILL OUT JUST A BIT OF INFORMATION! If you’re unable to complete the entire application, for any reason, complete just the first page-fill in your name, address and signature Include a phone number where you can be reached. This alone gets the process started

18. Talking Points SOMEONE YOU TRUST MAY APPLY FOR YOU Someone you trust (who knows your finances) may apply for you instead. You can fill out a form to allow this person to apply for you You may have an authorized representative shop for you using your EBT card

19. Talking Points YOU CAN COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE You can complete your application online in NC (typing), rather than by hand. Go to: https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.dohttps://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do 1.Click on “Apply for Benefits” 2.Create an NCID 3.Activate the NCID account 4.Log in on the citizens portal 5.Complete the application

20. Talking Points YOU MAY REQUEST A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW If you’re unable to attend an in-person interview at DSS, for any reason, you can request that your interview be conducted by phone Don’t let transportation or mobility issues get in your way There are options!

21. Talking Points BENEFITS BEGIN THE DAY APPLICATION IS RECEIVED The clock starts ticking the day that DSS gets the application-benefits will start then (retroactively), if approved DSS has 30 days to process an application, or 7 days to process an emergency application

22. Tracking Outreach Strategies Why? Tracking outreach efforts is an important aspect in helping families get benefits. We will be able to share the additional benefits your county receives, meals, & local economic activity that are results of outreach.

23. Tracking Outreach Strategies When? We ask that the tracking form be sent the first of every month (from the previous month) Available on our website: http://www.afoodbank.org/ http://www.afoodbank.org/

24. Paper Tracking Form FNS Monthly Report Month:__________ Agency: ________________________________________ County: ________________________________________ Contact Name:___________________________________ Contact Phone:___________________________________ Contact Email:___________________________________ Assistance Number of Fliers Distributed: _______ Applications CompletedTotal Online Paper Phone InteractionsTotal Pantry Non-pantry NameDate of Birth NameDate of Birth 1 10 2 11 3 12 4 13 5 14 6 15 7 16 8 17 9 18 Individual Applications

25. Send Tracking Form to Us Via Email asawyer@feedingamerica.org Subject: Tracking Form (Month)/Agency Attach: Send Tracking Form as Attachment Mail in your Tracking Form: Food Bank of the Albemarle/Attn: Amanda Sawyer PO Box 1704, Elizabeth City, NC 27906-1704 Fax Tracking Form: (252)335-4797 Attn: Amanda Sawyer Subject: Tracking Form (Month)/Agency

26. Resources FNS4NC http://fns4nc.org/fns4nc_welcome Resource Library - Download materials & FNS applicationshttp://fns4nc.org/fns4nc_welcome NC Department of Health and Human Services http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/index.htm http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/index.htm Food Bank of the Albemarle - Visit Us Online! http://www.afoodbank.org http://www.afoodbank.org USDA http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snaphttp://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap Feeding America http://www.feedingamerica.org http://www.feedingamerica.org State Hotline Phone Number for Questions: 1-866-719-0141

27. Getting Started with SNAP Outreach Every agency is unique and there are a range of activities-it’s easy and worthwhile We can provide materials and training We are a source of support and will be here to guide you

28. What is the Application Process? Client’s Consent Form Paper Application Electronic Application (ePass)

29. Obtain Client’s Consent Please obtain signed client consent for Application Assistance The consent form is available for download from our website http://www.afoodbank.org/ http://www.afoodbank.org/ This allows county’s DSS to share results of the application with us Please retain consent forms in a locked/secure location

30. Client Consent Form NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF FEEDING AMERICA FOOD BANKS CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION I hereby authorize the North Carolina Association of Feeding America Food Banks and its outreach partners to release specified information to the North Carolina Division of Social Services to track my Food and Nutrition Services application for SNAP benefits. This information shall include my name, date of birth, sex, county and the number of persons in my household. I understand this information will be released to track the approval or denial of my application, the benefit amount if I am approved, and the reason for denial if I am denied benefits. I understand that a food bank staff member may contact me about my application. I understand the contents to be released, the need for the information, and that there are statutes and regulations protecting the confidentiality of authorized information. I hereby acknowledge that this consent is truly voluntary and is valid for three years. I understand that I may cancel my consent at any time except for the information that has already been released before I cancel it. __________________________________ Client / Authorized Representative Printed Name _______ ______________________ Client / Authorized Representative Signature Date _____ Witness (Necessary only if client signs with an "X") Date

31. What is the Paper Application Process? Page 1: Start Here Write on the application for the client- this will speed up the process. Print clearly Make sure the client signs & dates the application You do not need to sign the application unless the applicant signs an “X”

32. What is the Paper Application Process? Page 2: This page asks about everyone who lives in your client’s house This includes those that live with your client, even if they are not relatives List information for everyone who lives under the same roof as your client Indicate if your client wants the individual included in his/her benefits.

33. What is the Paper Application Process? Pages 3-7: Refer only to individuals that your client wants included in their FNS benefits For example: Suzy lives with her husband, 2 children & mother. She only wants herself, her husband & 2 children included in the benefits Include everyone – herself, husband, 2 children & mother on page 2 Include only herself, husband & 2 children on pages 3–7 If the client does not know the answer – write “Unknown”

34. What is the Paper Application Process? Page 8: Double check that the client signed and dated the FNS Application You do not need to sign the application (“Witness Signature”) unless the applicant signs with an “X”

35. What is the Paper Application Process? Confidentiality: Make sure the application is in a sealed envelope to protect personal information Record Name, Address, DOB, Ph # and Date app was taken on the tracking form Get it to DSS within 24 hrs

36. What is the Online Application Process? Start Here: www.epass.nc.govwww.epass.nc.gov. 1.Click on “Apply for Benefits”

37. What is the Online Application Process? Create an NCID Activate the NCID account

38. What is the Online Application Process? Log into the citizens portal Complete the application

39. What’s Next?  The County’s DSS will schedule an interview to verify ID, income, assets and expenses  The applicant should provide a RELIABLE means for which DSS may contact them

40. FACT Not doing the interview is the # 1 reason Applicants do not receive SNAP Benefits.  DSS may do an Interview by phone  An authorized representative may also do the interview in certain circumstances (i.e. limited transportation, disabled)

41. An ID, such as driver’s license, social security card, or alien papers Proof of address Proof of any child care costs Proof of any child support paid Proof of money received monthly; pay stubs, Bank Statements Proof of monthly expenses What to Bring to the Interview