Food Assistance (formerly known as food stamps) is called SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The goal of SNAP is to help families stretch their food budgets to buy healthy food and to help families meet their basic needs while adults work toward financial stability.

SNAP benefits are loaded onto a Ohio Direction Card, which can be used like a debit card at stores.

Healthy people under 60 participate in Food Assistance Employment and Training while receiving food assistance to help them gain work experience and move toward self-sufficiency.

Do you qualify?

Eligibility for food assistance is complex – based on family size, income and expenses. Both families and individuals may be eligible.

You may qualify for benefits if your household’s gross monthly income is at or below 130 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Some households may qualify if they have incomes over the limit if someone in the household is elderly or disabled. To get a better idea of if you may qualify, visit USDA’s SNAP Eligibility page or apply for food assistance.