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Residents receiving SNAP benefitsDepartment of Social Services |
Description
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) provides benefits to qualifying individuals and households. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items. SNAP eligibility is determined based on certain financial and non-financial criteria. There is a work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents. Individuals must be United States citizens or have legal presence in the country in order to qualify for SNAP assistance.
Data for Fiscal Year 2017 is not available yet.
Estimated Charlottesville population
Analysis
It is important to note that most college students do not qualify for SNAP benefits, though they are included in the population estimates. However, the decline in the SNAP caseload is concerning when considering the poverty rate for the area. The Department continues to monitor this, with special attention to
- Institutional barriers that result in denial of SNAP application and SNAP case closure
- Education and employment training programs that support low- income able-bodied adults without dependents
- Communication about program benefits, qualifying criteria, and application process
Residents receiving SNAP benefits
Recommendations
Implement a system to follow up with applicants/recipients who miss required appointments or abandon their application
Continue to champion and administer the SNAP-Employment and Training program and to partner with employment and training providers that have demonstrated success in meeting the needs of this population
Develop a public messaging campaign to increase program participation by eligible individuals
Data Source
Population Estimates - US Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Population Estimate as of July 1st for each year.
SNAP Recipients - Virginia Department of Social Services, Local Departments of Social Services Profile Report, Local Agency Caseload & Expenditure Report for Charlottesville - FIPS 540.
