Food Assistance

SNAP Program Helps Qualifying Families Meet Nutritional Needs

Families may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help meet their nutritional needs. Eligible families are issued an electronic debit card, which can be used for food at participating stores.

To qualify for SNAP, your household income must not exceed 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. You can find out if you may qualify by using the eligibility calculator.

Find an application for SNAP benefits online, or simply fill one out at The Job Center, 1111 S Edwin Moses Boulevard, Dayton.

What to Bring to Determine Eligibility

• Identification
• Proof of Social Security number or proof of application for Social Security card
• Proof of alien status if you are not a U.S. citizen
• Proof of household income

The amount of assistance will vary based on family size and other factors, and your caseworker may ask for additional verifications. Able-bodied adults may be asked to complete a work requirement in exchange for their assistance.

You can buy food, as well as seeds and plants to grow food using your Ohio Direction Card.

Examples of Things You Cannot Purchase

• Alcoholic drinks
• Tobacco products
• Medicines
• Pet food
• Paper goods, cleaning supplies, household items

There is a new 20-day issuance schedule for new or interrupted Food Assistance benefits. See when to expect your benefits to be loaded onto your card (PDF).

Find more information on SNAP, or go to the USDA's SNAP site for helpful links, recipes, and an Ask the Expert database.