Food is not a luxury. It is a basic human necessity. Access to nutritious meals is essential for health, growth, learning, and overall well-being, yet many individuals and families face barriers to getting the food they need. No one should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table.

Learn how to get nutritious food for yourself and your family through SNAP (food stamps), WIC for women, infants, and children, and emergency food assistance below:

How to apply for food stamps (SNAP benefits)

Known previously as "food stamps," the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you pay for food if you have a low income.

Each month, SNAP benefits are added to an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to use when you shop for food.

You may qualify for SNAP if your household’s gross monthly income (the total monthly countable earned and unearned income) is at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines change yearly; you can find the current figures at aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines/.

Households that are categorically eligible or contain an elderly or disabled person have certain eligibility factors waived and may be allowed up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines in countable monthly income.

You can apply for SNAP in the following ways:

• Online: Create or access your online account at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov. You can fill out applications for all programs using your online account.

• Mail or Fax: Mail or fax the completed application to your county Jobs and Family Services (JFS) office.

• In-Person: Complete, sign, and turn in the application to your county JFS office. They will give you a receipt.

• Phone: Call (844) 640-6446

County JFS Offices serving Ohio’s 13th Congressional District:

Get food assistance with the WIC program

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can help you and your young children get food, nutrition counseling, and social service referrals.

If you are applying for yourself, you must be at least one of the following:

• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding (up to the baby's first birthday)
• Within six months of having given birth or your pregnancy ending

If you are applying for your children, they must be under 5 years old. You must meet other WIC eligibility requirements based on your income, your health, and where you live.

To apply for WIC benefits, please visit a WIC clinic near you: