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What is SNAP?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for Food Stamps. SNAP is a federal nutrition program that helps people with limited resources to buy the food they need. In Alaska, the SNAP program is managed by the Division of Public Assistance.
How will I get my SNAP benefits?
In Alaska, SNAP benefits are given on a Quest card. The Quest card works like a debit card, and every month the money is deposited into your account. SNAP benefits can be used to buy food at grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets.
What can I buy with SNAP?
SNAP benefits can be used to buy food, such as breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry and dairy products. You can also buy seeds and plants which produce food that you can eat.
SNAP benefits cannot be used for alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, pet foods, household supplies, medicines, prepared/hot foods.What are the benefits of SNAP?
- Supporting your budget, freeing up some money for other expenses like rent, child care, medical bills and transportation
- Allows you the independence to choose your own foods at the store
- Shopping is done using a discreet, easy to use debit card
- Benefits “roll over”- meaning, you don’t need to use all your benefits in the same month that you get them. The left over money carries over into the next months for up to one year
- Supporting your local economy- every $5 of SNAP benefits spent generates up to $9 of economic activity in the local economy