1. Iowa Food Assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Emily Upchurch
Food Assistance Outreach Specialist
The Food Bank of Iowa

2. Hunger Facts
In 2016, 41 million people struggled with hunger in the United States, including 13 million children.
One in eight Iowans and one in five Iowa kids struggle to access enough food for themselves and their families.
Households with children are more likely to be food insecure than those without children.
Hunger hinders health, growth, education, and work performance

3. Food Bank of Iowa: About Us

4. Food Assistance What is Food Assistance?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Federal aid program administered by USDA. Benefits are distributed by the Iowa Department of Human Services.
Provides food-purchasing assistance with an EBT card
Fiscal Year 2016:
381,000 Iowa residents, or 12% of the state population (1 in 8)
44,129,000 participants across the U.S. (14% of population, 1 in 7)

5. Food Assistance What Are the Benefits of SNAP?
Receive a monthly benefit to purchase food
Flexibility to choose the types of food the client wants to cook
Ability to use at Farmer’s Markets
Ability to buy plants and seeds
Calendar Year 2017: Average Monthly Benefit in Iowa
For Each Household: $228.69
For Each Recipient: $108.25
Per Person per Meal: $1.16

6. Food Assistance Who Benefits from Food Assistance?
Iowa SNAP Participation:
More than 69% of participants are in families with children
More than 25% of participants have elderly or disabled family members
More than 52% of participants are in working families

7. Food Assistance
Who Qualifies for SNAP?

8. Food Assistance How Does Someone Enroll in SNAP? Outreach Worker
On-site to educate individuals about SNAP
On-site to assist individuals in applying
Food Assistance Hotline
Apply for SNAP over the phone
Number:
Online DHS Application
Paper Applications are discouraged.

9. Food Assistance What Is the Application Process?
Learn about SNAP & Income Guidelines
Complete an Application
Submit Application
Phone Call from DHS
Interview with DHS
Gather & Submit Supporting Documents if Requested
Decision Made on Case
Receive EBT Card
Complete Recertification Process 6-24 Months Later

10. Food Assistance Application Deductions
Earned Income - 20% of all gross income
Standard deduction based on household size
Dependent care deduction when needed for work, training, or education
Child Support Deduction
Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members
Must be more than $35 per month and must be paid by the applicant.
Utility Deduction
Shelter Deduction

11. Food Assistance Work Requirements
All adults are required to work part time or agree to accept a job if they are offered one
Some exceptions
ABAWD – Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents
Person between the ages of 18 and 49 who has no dependents and is not disabled
Can only receive SNAP for 3 months in 3 years
ABAWD eligibility beyond the time limit:
Must work at least 80 hours per month, participate in qualifying education and training activities at least 80 hours per month, or comply with a workfare program (unpaid work through a special State-approved program)

12. Food Assistance Non-Citizen Eligibility
Most non-citizens must be in a qualified alien category and meet one additional condition
Children under 18 are eligible even if their parent(s) are not
States may not deny an entire household just because a non-citizen member is ineligible due to his/her immigration status.
State agencies are not required to verify the immigration status of anyone who is applying for SNAP on behalf of others in their household
A non-citizen that is currently a qualified alien is potentially eligible for SNAP benefits regardless if he/she was undocumented previously
Qualified alien category: Lawfully admitted for Permanent Residence, battered non-citizens, asylees under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Refugees under INA, Trafficking Victims, etc.
Additional Condition: 5 years of residence (has lived in the U.S. as a qualified alien for 5 years), children under 18, blind or disabled and receiving benefits or assistance for their condition, etc.

13. Food Assistance Common Questions
How long will it take DHS to contact me?
How much will I get?
Will I have to travel for my interview with DHS?
My income fluctuates month to month. Can I still apply?
“I don’t work during certain times of the year.”
My benefits stopped and I don’t know why. Can you help?
I have a paper application at home I will fill out.

14. Food Assistance How Can You Help? Education
Hotline Number –
Outreach Worker –

15. Food Assistance DHS Phone Numbers
DHS Status Change Line/ Customer Service:
Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Any changes the client has such as income, change of address, etc.
Need a new card with a change of address
Lost/Stolen EBT Card:
Need a new card with no change of address
Can check benefits to be added a few days prior to add date
Polk County DHS:
1900 Carpenter, Des Moines
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Questions about the Status of an Application: Local County Office

16. Questions? Contact Me: Emily Upchurch
Food Assistance Outreach Specialist
Direct:
Cell: