Learn About SNAP
Whether you’re looking for eligibility information, applying, or recertifying for benefits, there are people who can help every step of the way.
SNAP is our nation’s first line of defense against hunger, stretching the monthly food budgets of all who meet program guidelines.
The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) offers free and confidential services to connect hungry New Yorkers with nutrition assistance programs such SNAP. Find an Outreach Coordinator in your community.
For SNAP/Food Stamp assistance and free confidential pre-screenings and questions, please call the number listed below based on what county you live in:
SNAP in Broome County
- Alison Lorenc 607.723.8313 x827 or email
- Lizanne Clifford 607.723.8313 x840 or email
SNAP in Chemung County
- Chemung County: Mary Laurey, SNAP Outreach Coordinator 607.796.5592 or email
SNAP in Schuyler County
- Schuyler County: Maggie Zegilla, SNAP Outreach Coordinator 607.873.4831 or email
If you are in Schuyler County and you would prefer us to contact you, please fill out this form and we will be in touch.
SNAP in Steuben County
- Steuben County: Hailee Hillman, 607.329.9359 or email
SNAP in Tioga County
- Tioga County: Tiffany Beaver, SNAP Outreach Coordinator 607.689.2767 or email
SNAP in Tompkins County
- Tompkins County: Julie Daum SNAP Outreach Coordinator 607.272.5062 x21 or email
SNAP/Food Stamp Myths
Myth:
Food Stamps are welfare.
Fact:
SNAP is a nutrition assistance program that provides low-income individuals and families with much-needed nutrition support when money is tight. SNAP has been proven to lift people out of poverty and have a positive impact on households, communities, and the economy.
Myth:
Only unemployed people can get SNAP/Food Stamps.
Fact:
Individuals may work and still have low-enough income to receive SNAP benefits. The majority of able-bodied SNAP recipients that can work do work, debunking the myth that people who get SNAP choose not to work. In fact, nearly 80 percent of SNAP households nationally had at least one working adult in the home in 2018.
Myth:
You can’t get Food Stamps if you own a car.
Fact:
Most households applying for SNAP no longer have to pass a savings/resource test in order to get SNAP benefits. This means that the household’s assets are not considered when determining eligibility. The amount of SNAP/Food Stamp benefits depends on household size, income and certain expenses.
Myth:
Other people will know I use SNAP/Food Stamps.
Fact:
Since the transition from physical food stamps to the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, it is now easy to access your benefits with the EBT card that looks and functions like a debit card. Simply run your EBT card through the credit card machine at the grocery store, and other people are unlikely to notice you are using SNAP benefits. However, remember that everyone deserves to eat and there is no shame in receiving government benefits if you need additional nutrition assistance to afford healthy meals.
Myth:
Other people need SNAP benefits more than I do.
Fact:
SNAP is for anyone and everyone who applies. Close to two-thirds of SNAP recipients are children, seniors, or people with disabilities. College students, able-bodied individuals, and households without children may also qualify for SNAP benefits.
Help Beyond Food
Call 2-1-1 (or 1-800-346-2211) or visit www.211helpline.org to find a food pantry or one of our programs near you. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that helps people across North America find the local resources they need. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week!