Getting through college is hard enough on its own, so when putting food on the table is adding a new weight that prevents needed education, it may be necessary to turn to the Louisiana food assistance program SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Cases vary widely within SNAP as there are numerous situations taken into consideration when applicants are accepted. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Sammy Guillory recommended that those in need visit his department’s website if they want to apply, and explained some of the possible qualifications for students.
Guillory said, “They have to meet one of these conditions. They could be under 18 or over age 49. [Students are considered] if they are disabled, if they are receiving cash assistance, if they are working at least 20 hours per week, if they are working in a work study program, or if they are participating in an on the job training program.”
Those struggling to care for children while remaining in school are also considered for SNAP.
Guillory continued, “If they are responsible for the care of a dependent household member who is under age 6, or if they are between age 6 and 12 and adequate childcare is not available, [they may qualify]. A single parent who is a full time student who is responsible for providing for the care of a household member who is under age 12 [is also considered].”
According to Guillory, there is no time limit on how long a recipient may receive SNAP benefits, but if a person no longer qualifies or qualifies for a different program, they will no longer be part of SNAP. There is a full reapplication period every 12 months, and also a 6 month point where members file a simplified report to determine whether SNAP is still necessary or needs adjusting to their needs.
Retailers who receive SNAP must also apply to be approved in order to become authorized by Food and Nutrition Services. According to Guillory, there are many convenience stores, mom and pop retailers, and large grocery stores like Walmart, Winn Dixie, and Albertsons who are authorized.
Food stamps are no longer used in Louisiana for programs like SNAP. Retailers who do meet Food and Nutrition Services’ criteria, will be able to receive payment via EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards. EBT cards hold SNAP benefits that are deposited into a recipient’s EBT account every month. The amount of money deposited each month is then determined by a person’s specific needs.
Guillory explained, “It all depends on your income, your household size, or your shelter expenses. For some people, like the elderly and disabled we consider medical expenses. It’s a complicated federal formula that determines the amount. The average is $294 a month. If one person applied at no income, no net income, and zero amount of countable incomes they would get $194 dollars.”
However, just as food stamps in the past could only purchase food, an EBT card may only be used for food essentials.
Guillory said, “The federal government determines what is an eligible food item, so you have to buy food, like milk or water; food products. You cannot buy paper-towels; you cannot buy alcohol; you cannot buy cigarettes. You cannot buy food that’s hot and prepared for consumption on the premise.”
Considering these regulations and money limitations, it might be helpful to learn cheaper and food-saving methods for cooking:
Salsa Salad
EBT cards can by seeds, so this recipe’s greens can easily be grown in a garden.
Ingredients: corn, lettuce or/and spinach, and salsa. Optional grated cheese.
- Drain the corn thoroughly if canned.
2. Toss corn in greens until evenly distributed
3. Serve and top with salsa and optional cheese.
Cheaper Chicken
Meal One:
Saving the broth from the chicken in this recipe is important if you want to make soup later.
A whole chicken. Optional salt and pepper.
- Rinse out the inside of the chicken.
- Place chicken in tall pot and cover with water.
- Add optional salt and pepper.
- Put on medium-medium high heat and let water come to full boil.
- Lower heat to medium after full boil.
- Cover with lid and boil for 30 minutes to an hour, turning the chicken over a few times.
- The chicken is done when the skin and meat easily fall off and it is tender.
- Spoon out chicken and allow it to cool.
- Keep stock water for the next meal!
Meal Two:
Leftover broth, frozen vegetables, and any noodles. Optional cream of chicken
- Begin boiling a large pot of water while getting ingredients.
- Put noodles into pot and boil to liking while boiling frozen vegetables in broth.
- Drain noodles and toss them into vegetable broth soup.
- Add optional cream of chicken to wanted consistency.
Frogurtz
Assorted frozen fruit and any yogurt.
- Mix chosen frozen fruit in chosen yogurt.
- Freeze in popsicle container.
