Single Mother Grants

Food is a basic necessity that impacts on many aspects of human survival. However, not everyone is lucky enough to have a constant and consistent supply of food. While average families may already find it hard to make ends meet, the challenge is much harder for single parents.

Update: In the United States, at least 43.6 million people are living under the poverty threshold in 2011. The figure is 15.1 percent higher than the data gathered in 2010. The data reflects the sheer number of people who lack basic food supply.

To mitigate the effects of poverty on these individuals especially on single mothers and their kids, the U.S. federal government initiated the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It basically bridges the gap between insufficient food supply and the attainment of nutritional sustenance for the low- to no income families and persons.

The program is the modern alternative to the Food Stamp Program. From the quantity of food that can be availed to the manner of purchase, SNAP is a long way from its original structure. Before, color-coded coupons were distributed to beneficiaries. Now, the assistance comes in the form of a debit card.

In spite of being a federal program, implementation of SNAP is done per state. The card is funded by the government under the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) scheme. The recipients can use the card to purchase grocery items in any participating store within their locality.

SNAP Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for SNAP is based on family income and whether or not it is composed of members with disabilities of seniors. Once the income requirement is met, household size and gross income (adjusted) are the next factors for consideration.

You may be eligible SNAP benefits if you are:¹

• Unemployed;
• Working for low wages or working part-time;
• Receiving welfare or other public assistance payments;
• Elderly or disabled and are low-income; or
• Homeless.

Single mothers seeking membership to SNAP are also required to render several hours of service to the SNAP Employment and Training Program. The activities vary according to the needs of applicants. It only serves to provide temporary support until applicants are capable of independently providing for their families.

Such activities include:

• Enrolment in a secondary education program
• Search for employment
• Community Service
• On-the-job Training
• Actual employment

Since it started in 1939, SNAP benefited millions of Americans. In 2011 alone, more than 45 million individuals (14% of population) received supplemental support for food items from the U.S. federal government.² This is reflective of the impact of the global economic crunch which affected countless lives all over the world.

To apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you must fill out an application and return it to a local SNAP office.³⁴

References:

1. Facts about SNAP [↩]
2. In Washington, D.C., and Mississippi, more than one-fifth of residents receive food stamps. Source: Newsmax [↩]
3. SNAP Application and Local Office Locators [↩]
4. For more information, contact your State agency or call SNAP’s toll free information line at 1-800-221-5689. [↩]