Eating well a SNAP with this program

Stacy Marks urges food challenged to apply

By Demi Budd | Manor Ink

Monticello, NY – Food security is a right that many people do not have. In just one year alone, from 2019 to 2020, roughly 5 million more households are receiving SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, benefits. This program provides assistance in purchasing healthy food and maintaining food security in families, and also offers nutrition education.

But how is this done, and what does this program mean for people in Sullivan County, especially in times such as the pandemic?

To find out, people can turn to Stacy Marks, the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program coordinator for Sullivan County.

“I assist people in Sullivan County and inform them of the benefits of having SNAP, and help them in applying for it,” Marks explained.”I also reach out to people in the community who are food insecure, and I tell them about the program. And then, if they’re interested in applying, I can help by giving them information on how to apply and by assisting them throughout the whole application process.”

Not just food assistance

SNAP benefits offer support to those struggling with food insecurity.

“This is done by making fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins available to people who may not have the means to buy them otherwise,” said Marks. “Through the use of an EBT card, which looks similar to a credit card so it is discreet, people can purchase specific foods.”

SNAP’s benefits are not just limited to buying foods, though, as Marks explained.

“If you apply for SNAP, and you’re approved for it, then you’re approved for other programs as well. For example, you can apply for free or reduced lunches through school. It can open doors for other programs as well.”

These benefits can seriously help a family in need, and the process of applying for SNAP benefits is quite simple.

“People can apply in a few ways,” Marks began. “First, I encourage them to give me a quick call so I can ask them a few questions and give them a pre-screen. This quick process allows us to get an idea of their potential eligibility for SNAP. If they are potentially eligible, I can give them a list of the basic things that they’ll need to apply. And then, I can give them a paper application to apply on their own.”

Applicants can also go online to apply, or can make an appointment with Marks at her office in Monticello. In that case, she can walk them through the whole process.

“If they come to me, I can do everything they need. And then it’s as easy as that.”

While Marks is not the one who decides whether someone is eligible for SNAP benefits – that is the work of US Social Services – she stressed that the main criterion is income.

Cost of living and eligibility

Someone’s cost of living is a major factor as well. An individual could have a steady income, but that income may not be enough for their cost of living – the expenditures for their family’s necessities. In that case, they meet a criterion for SNAP benefits.

This brings up a situation that Marks has encountered before. Some people believe they do not meet the requirements for SNAP benefits even though those benefits could be an incredibly useful resource. For this reason, they do not even attempt to apply.

“I know a lot of people that have benefited from using SNAP. And I know plenty of people that really could have used SNAP and didn’t,” said Marks. “Whether from a misconception or from the stigma tied to it, many people don’t think that they’re eligible for SNAP because they make too much money. But they don’t know unless they try.”

Marks encourages anyone who may be struggling with food security to reach out for some help. If you find yourself interested in applying or know someone who would benefit from SNAP, you can get more information at hudsonvalleycs.org or call Ms. Marks at 842-1232.