The Food Stamp program is a Federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service division. Each state manages the Food Stamp program based on Federal guidelines. In Ohio the Food Stamp program is run by County Department of Job and Family Services.

The Food Stamp Program is designed to raise nutritional levels, expand buying power and safeguard the health and well being of low income households.  A household may consist of an individual or group of individuals who live together and usually purchase, prepare and eat their meals together. The amount of food stamps received is based on the USDA Thrifty Food Plan, which is an estimate of how much it costs to buy food to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals for your household. This estimate is changed every year to keep pace with food prices. In most cases food stamps are only a part of the food budget, households must spend some of their own money along with their food stamps to buy food for the month.

In Ohio food stamp benefits are issued by Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT). Recipients are issued a plastic card, much like a credit card, with a micro-chip embedded in it. When checking out at the grocery store the recipient scans the card, enters a pin number and the amount is deducted from the household's monthly allotment of food stamps. Food stamps can be used to purchase food or food products intended for human consumption with the exception of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or hot food products prepared for immediate consumption. You cannot sell or trade food stamps, buy non food items or buy food for someone who is not in your household.

Households whose gross monthly income is within 130% of the federal poverty level, whose monthly income after allowed expenses is within 100% of the Federal Poverty Level and whose resources (cash, savings,stocks etc.) do not exceed $2000 ($3000 if a person is at least 60 years old or meets the guidelines for disability) may qualify for food stamp benefits. Some individuals may not qualify for food stamps based on citizenship, work rules or other factors.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or political beliefs. 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC  20250-9410 or call 202- 720-5964 (voice or TDD.)  The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information about the food stamp program try the following links:

www.fns.usda.gov/fsp

http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/foodstamps.pdf

The FNS also has a screening tool to see if you may qualify for food stamps:

Food Stamp Screening Tool

How to Apply