The New Hampshire Food Bank can help you sign up for the Food Stamp program.

USDA data released in November, 2011, shows that 45.8 million Americans receive food aid from the Food Stamp program - almost 15% of the country.  This is a 31% jump since June of 2009.  In total, the USDA spent $6.1 billion on food stamp benefits in August 2011, up 8% from the year before.

Part of the massive bump in food stamp usage is almost certainly attributable to increasing levels of awareness of the program and better administration of benefits.  Here at the NH Food Bank, we want to help increase access to the Food Stamp program.  Please note:

• The USDA has changed the name of the Food Stamp program to the "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" (SNAP) but the state of New Hampshire stil refers to the program under its old name, food stamps.
• You apply for benefits by completing a state application form, either a paper version or an online application.
• Benefits are provided on an electronic benefit card (EBT) which can then be used at participating food stores

If you are interested in signing up for the Food Stamp program, refer to these income guidelines to see if you might be eligible. Households have to meet income tests unless all members are receiving TANF, SSI, or in some places general assistance. Most households must meet both the gross and net income tests, but a household with an elderly person or a person who is receiving certain types of disability payments only has to meet the net income test. Households, except those noted, that have income over the amounts listed below cannot get SNAP benefits.

(Oct. 1, 2012 through Sept. 30, 2013)

What is the difference between Gross and Net income?  Gross income is your total income before taxes or any other subtractions.  However, certain subtractions to your gross income, called "deductions," are allowed.  These can be for things like housing costs, child support payments, child or dependent care payments, and monthly medical expenses over $35 for elderly or disabled individuals.  The amount leftover after these deductions is called Net Income.

If you are a New Hampshire resident, here is how you can get benefits:

• Go to to www.nheasy.nh.gov and sign up for benefits on your own,
  OR
• Contact Katy Hiza, our Food Stamp Outreach Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (603) 669-9725 x124 for application assistance
  OR
• If you qualify, you can go to your closest District office to apply, pick up an application and submit the completed application.  You can also download an application at:
  www.dhhs.nh.gov/dfa/documents/DFA800.pdf (English)
  www.dhhs.nh.gov/dfa/documents/DFA800_Bos.pdf (Bosnian)
  www.dhhs.nh.gov/dfa/documents/DFA800_Sp.pdf (Spanish)

About the Food Stamp Program

• Nationally, only 67% of the people that are eligible to receive Food Stamps get them.
• One third of the people that could receive benefits don't.
• New Hampshire's participation rate was 62%.  Access to the program has improved, and currently 75% of those that are eligible participate in the program.
• Who can receive food stamp benefits?
  • Citizens and some aliens who are admitted for permanent residency
  • Some illegal immigrants
  • Non-citizens admitted for humanitarian reasons
  • Individuals who have been working in the US for certain periods of time
• A household's food stamp award is equal to the maximum amount for that household's size minus 30% of their net income
• What can you buy with food stamp benefits?
  • Breads & cereals
  • Fruits & vegetables
  • Meats & fish
  • Dairy products
• Households cannot use food stamp benefits to buy:
  • Beer, wine, or liquor
  • Cigarettes or tobacco
  • Pet foods
  • Soaps, paper products, or household supplies
  • Vitamins or medicines
  • Food that will be eaten in the store or hot foods

• Households are eligible if members are receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or General Assistance benefits.
• Here in New Hampshire, 41% of those that are eligible for Food Stamp benefits are children under 18 years old.
• Currently 114,705 people receive Food Stamps in New Hampshire.
• Many food stamp recipients have jobs.
• The majority of food stamp households do not receive cash welfare benefits.
• 14% have income above the poverty line.
• 41% have income at or below the poverty line.
• 18% have no income.
• More than 37% receive the maximum benefit.
• 4% receive the minimum benefit.
• The average household has $101 in countable resources.
• 78% have no countable resources.
• Two thirds of food stamp households are eligible and not subject to the asset test.

Why doesn't New Hampshire have a higher participation rate?

Unfortunately, thousands of families, seniors, and individuals that are qualified do not apply for food stamps.  As a result, they must make difficult choices between food, medicine, rent and utilities.  These families often rely on food banks, pantries and soup kitchens for food, which does not sustain them beyond a few days.

Why do these families and individuals not apply? Click here to learn the common myths about the Food Stamp Program that prevent people who need help from applying for benefits.

We are looking for agencies to partner with the Food Bank in our outreach program!

If you are a social service agency who would be willing to partner with the Food Bank and help us promote the Food Stamp program here in New Hampshire, click here to learn more about what the benefits will be for your community.

For more information, or to set up an appointment, please contact:

Katy Hiza
SNAP Outreach Coordinator
New Hampshire Food Bank
(603) 669-9725 ext. 124
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more information about New Hampshire's Food Stamp Program,
go to www.dhhs.nh.gov or call Client Services at (800) 852-4238 or (603) 271-4238