Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits

The Food Stamps Program is now called SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The SNAP program is a nutrition assistance program that changes lives and helps communities.

• SNAP is an entitlement program.
• You can purchase seeds and seedlings with SNAP
• You can use manufacturer's coupons with your SNAP benefits
• You can use SNAP benefits at farmer's markets

SNAP is a federally funded program administered by Cayuga County Human Services Department for the United States Department of Agriculture. The goal of the program is to provide a higher level of nutrition to income-eligible individuals and families by enhancing their ability to purchase healthy food.

There is additional information about the SNAP program including retailers and farmer's markets where you can use your benefits at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

How to Apply

• The fastest way to apply for SNAP benefits is to apply electronically at New York My Benefits
• Visit or contact the SNAP office
• Need help applying, contact the Food Bank of Central New York. Their team will connect you to an Outreach Coordinator who will assist you in applying for SNAP benefit.   866-839-7304    

If you are interested in nutrition education to help your family eat better for less, you can go to www.choosemyplate.gov - sponsored by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or contact Eat Smart New York (NY), free to all SNAP households at 315-255-1183 at the Cayuga County Cooperative Extension.

For additional information on the New York State (NYS) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP):

• Call 800-522-5006 for the NYS Growing Up Healthy Hotline
• Text the word food to 877-877 and receive a text back with open site information
• Visit Summer Meals New York.

Nondiscrimination Statement (Aviso sobre Normas Antidiscriminatorias)     

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.     

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.     

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the  USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at:  http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:      

1.   mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;     

2.   fax: (202) 690-7442; or     

3.   email: program.intake@usda.gov.     

With respect to public accommodations, New York State additionally prohibits discrimination based on gender identity, transgender status, gender dysphoria, sexual orientation, marital status, and military status.