The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government program that helps people afford food when money is tight. If you qualify, you get monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, which works like a debit card you can use at most grocery stores, Mr. Chips here on campus, and even the Harrisonburg Farmers Market.
SNAP is the largest federal food assistance program and plays a big role in helping people avoid going hungry. If you're struggling to afford food, applying for SNAP is a smart move—it's a resource you've already helped fund through your taxes, and it’s here for times like this.
You might qualify for SNAP if you:
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Have a low income or limited financial resources
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Are a U.S. citizen or legal resident
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Meet certain student eligibility rules (yes, some college students can qualify!)
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Live in a household that meets SNAP guidelines
While SNAP probably won’t cover all of your grocery costs, it can seriously reduce them—freeing up money for other essentials like rent, utilities, health care, tuition or other school expenses.
Want to speak with someone on campus about SNAP? You can reach out to our AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at hancoczr@jmu.edu to set up an appointment. You can also look for any of our amazing faculty or staff members who are part of the campus SNAP Advocate network. Just look for one of the "Ask Me About SNAP" stickers on their office door or laptop cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
- Gross income (amount earned before taxes) must be less than or equal to 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. The 2024 poverty guidelines for a household of 1 person is $19,584 (yearly) or $1,632 (monthly).
- Current assets (bank account balance and any accounts in your name combined) cannot be more than $3000.
If you meet the SNAP income and wealth requirements and are enrolled in AT LEAST 6 credits, you must also meet one of the follwing conditions, commonly refered to as "student exemptions."
Current student exemptions as of February 2024 are:
- Participate in the federal work study (FWS) program.
- Work at least 20 hours a week on average in paid employment.
- Are under age 18 or are age 54 or older.
- Have a physical or mental disability.
- Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12.
- Care for a child under the age of 6.
- Care for a child age 6 to 11 and lack child care.
- Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance.
- Are assigned to, placed in, or self-placed in a college or other institution of higher education through an Employment and Training (E&T) program
- After applying for SNAP, applicants will be mailed a Medical Form to fill out and return. This is sent by mail to the applicant before a phone interview with a case worker OR sent after the phone interview with a check list of needed documents to complete the application process.
- If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI you can present proof of that qualification when asked. Other forms of documentation can include a letter from a mental health professional or doctor. The mailed Medical Form will give further instructions on what is needed.
Applying for SNAP
You can apply for SNAP online through CommonHelp, over the phone by calling 800-552-3431, or in person at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Department of Social Services.
You can learn more about the process of applying by visiting these learning modules.
- Typically, SNAP interviews are done over the phone. A caseworker will inform the applicant of any necessary documentation and will send a check list in the mail.
- If interviewing in person, bring proof of identity, which could include a driver's license or another photo I.D., as well as proof of residence, income, resources and/or your housing cost.
- The application asks questions regarding employment, including number of hours worked per week, employer, amount of pay, and how often a paycheck is received.
- Documentation is typically a paystub or letter from a supervisor. After applying the applicant will be given a list of documents needed to approve their application.
- If not shown on a pay stub, a student can present their award letter or any form of proof of participating in federal work study.
- Students can also go directly to the Office of Financial Aid and ask for a letter confirming participation.
Once Approved
- Through summer breaks, students are considered enrolled in SNAP and eligible. If a student leaves the state for summer or long breaks with the intent to return to the same address or area, this typically does not affect SNAP benefits.
- All address changes should be reported to the student’s case worker, who will advise on any needed steps taken.
You can use SNAP to buy:
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Fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, or frozen)
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Meat, poultry, and fish
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Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.)
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Breads and cereals
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Snacks (chips, cookies, granola bars, etc.)
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Non-alcoholic beverages (juice, soda, coffee, tea)
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Seeds and plants that grow food (for example, tomato plants or basil)
You can’t use SNAP to buy:
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Hot or prepared foods (like rotisserie chicken, deli sandwiches, or meals from a hot bar)
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Alcohol or tobacco
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Vitamins, supplements, or medicine
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Pet food
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Cleaning supplies, toiletries, or cosmetics
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Non-food items (paper products, diapers, etc.)
If you're shopping in-store, look for signs that say “EBT accepted,” or ask a cashier. Most online grocery services (like Walmart, Amazon, and local stores) also accept SNAP for delivery or pickup, though you can’t use it for delivery fees.