The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, aka SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps in Massachusetts is a great resource for those struggling with food security and as a Hampshire Student you may qualify. There are three separate ways you can potentially qualify:
- You live in a Mod and have a federal work study job
- You live in a Mod and work 20+ hours a week (may not quality if you earn too much yearly)
- You have a partial meal plan and a full Pell Grant
If any of these pertain to you, you likely qualify.
The easiest and most direct way to apply is to email Megan Schuck at Food Bank of Western Mass ([email protected]). She deals with Hampshire College students regularly and will promptly email you the required forms which she will submit on your behalf. You can also call or apply online through DTA Connect (Department of Transitional Assistance), however this may make the processes long or more difficult for some. It is incredibly important to note you DO NOT have to be a permanent resident of Massachusetts to apply for SNAP, you will simply use the college’s address for your permanent residence.
Once your forms are submitted, you will be notified by DTA about the need to complete a phone interview which can be scheduled by yourself or DTA. It is a short interview that will ask further questions about your financial situation. Once completed, you will be mailed (either physical or email) a decision letter and EBT card if approved. Having an EBT card can give you other benefits as well. Places like the River Valley Co-Op offer discounts for people using EBT (~10%) and Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) allows refunds back up to $80 when buying produce at local markets and stands that participate.
Amherst Survival Center is a local food bank that can provide delivered groceries if you have access barriers as well. On-campus resources include:
- CSA shares, which are provided if you live in a mod.
- Hampshire Free Grocery every Monday at the Enfield fire pit. (@hampfreegrocery)
- Community soup served in the Dakin Student Life Center on Fridays (@hampsoup)
- The Food Forest located behind Greenwich has pickable fruits and berries depending on time of year.
More in-depth coverage on these and other Hampshire community-led resources to come in future issues of Leapfrog.
REVIEWED BY: Blaise Paine, Malfoy Kimmel, Jonah Fliegelman
