SNAP Assistance Sign up
For the last few weeks our Rogersville location has had a representative that has been hanging out at the store to provide a convenient opportunity for folks to come in and sign up for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program better known as SNAP. A representative will be at Rogersville again this week as well. This resource can help those who are struggling by providing the everyday needs of food to themselves and their families. Individuals that may use the program can also sign up at the pantry for additional support throughout the month.
Safe Haven Now does food distribution every third Saturday. Rogersville provides assistance from 8am to 10am and Fordland provides from 9am to 11am. Receiving those services does require an application process. Safe Haven Now is here to serve the community and feed those in need. If this is something you or a family member could benefit from please click on the get help button and apply.
SNAP is a vital federal anti-hunger program for low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities. Over two-thirds of participants are in families with kids, although not all eligible people receive SNAP benefits, and many who receive the benefits still have difficulty paying for adequate food in addition to housing and other basic living expenses. Recognizing the economic realities facing American families, in 2021, the federal government enacted temporary, pandemic-response increases in SNAP benefits as well as long-term increases in benefits to better reflect the current costs of nutritious food. Here are some statistics to think about.
In fiscal year 2021, it helped: 698,700 Missouri residents, or 11% of the state population (1 in 9) 41,500,000 participants in the United States, or 13% of the total population (1 in 8)
MISSOURI
- more than 71%of SNAP participants are in families with children
- almost 37%are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled
- more than 42%are in working families
NATIONALLY
- more than 66%of SNAP participants are in families with children
- almost 36%are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled
- almost 42%are in working families
Source: CBPP analysis of data from USDA Food and Nutrition Service, FY 2019a
Many Missouri households struggle to put food on the table. The most recent data show:11.5% of households were “food insecure,” meaning that their access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources.
- 10.6% of the population lived below the poverty line.
- 14.2% of children lived below the poverty line.
- 5.7% of older adults lived below the poverty line.
SNAP reaches populations in need: 87% of eligible individuals participated in SNAP in Missouri in 2018, and 76% of eligible workers participated.
SNAP lifted 131,000 people above the poverty line in Missouri, including 58,000 children, per year between 2013 and 2017, on average. (These figures adjust for households’ underreporting of benefits.)
We understand that not everyone needs this type of assistance, but if you do we are trying to make it as easy as possible for our community, by providing this opportunity.
