What is SNAP?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a program designed to help individuals and families stretch their current budget for nutritious food. For many college students just like you, this program could make hard decisions like buying books or buying food a thing of the past.
In Florida, benefits are received each month through an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, Card. This card can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, or retailers that offer fresh produce, dry goods, and uncooked meals. The EBT card is used like a debit card that is “re-filled” automatically each month with an amount unique to your (or your family’s) monthly income and need.
Am I Eligible?
Sound like something you might benefit from? We think so too! To be eligible for SNAP, you must meet certain criteria as regulated by the Department of Children and Families. The figure below shows the maximum amount of monthly income an individual or family can make (before taxes) depending on their household size to be eligible for SNAP in Florida.
How Do I Apply?
Applying for SNAP is fast and easy. Just use the Florida ACCESS website: For assistance in applying and to learn more about eligibility requirements specific to you, please visit Food 2 Finish for free resources, consolations, and referrals!
Have questions, concerns, or need help applying? Fill out this form and a Food 2 Finish representative will contact you to see if you qualify. If you do qualify and would like assistance in applying, Food 2 Finish can help to set up a SNAP application assistance call with Feeding Tampa Bay who can fill out the application on your behalf over the phone.
What Happens Next?
Once you have submitted an application for SNAP online or a specialist at Feeding Tampa Bay has helped you to do so:
A representative from the Department of Children and Families will contact you regarding your application to ensure that the information is accurate.
The Department of Children and Families will then decide whether or not you meet the eligibility requirements based on your responses in the application and may ask for verification of income or other documents.
If deemed eligible, you will receive an EBT card in the mail at the address you provided in your application with directions on how to set up your pin number.
Once your pin has been created, you may begin using your SNAP benefits at participating locations. Just swipe your EBT like you would a debit card at check out and then choose “EBT Food” when prompted. A great place to use your EBT is at participating Farmers Markets with Feeding Florida’s Fresh Access Bucks that doubles your EBT money! More on that here.
To check your EBT Balance: call the Customer Service number on the back of your EBT card 1-888-356-3281