WORKING HARD? SNAP Can Work For You

SNAP Works for working families

Albany, New York—January 16, 2012—Hundreds of thousands of New York State families struggle to afford food even though they have a paying job. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the new name for the Food Stamp Program, can help hard working New Yorkers pay their grocery bill.

According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report on characteristics of SNAP households in 2011, 391,000 or 25 percent of all New York households receiving SNAP earned a working income. SNAP Works for employed New Yorkers who are still struggling to afford food.

“Sometimes, a paying job is not enough to make ends meet. SNAP can be that added boost to get working families through the end of the month,” said Linda Bopp, Executive Director of Hunger Solutions New York.

SNAP Works for Michelle and Nick Patrino of Endicott, New York. Mr. Patrino, a construction worker by trade, and Mrs. Patrino, out of work on disability, struggle to feed themselves and their children during the winter months.  “We try and save enough money in the summer to pay the mortgage and other bills through the off-season, but food is expensive,” said Mrs. Patrino. “We use the benefits through the winter months and get off the program in the summer when my husband has a steady income. It has helped to get us through,” she said. 

The Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) managed by Hunger Solutions New York, is available to assist all New Yorkers applying for SNAP benefits. “Sometimes working families do not know they might be eligible for benefits,” said David Reynolds, Director of Field Operations for NOEP. “Local NOEP Coordinators are available to provide confidential pre-screenings.”

“Some people get embarrassed by it and I don’t think they should be.  If you need the help you need the help. I’m not ashamed of it. It feeds my children,” proudly stated Mrs. Patrino.

For hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, SNAP Works for their working lifestyle. A complement to their earned wages, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can help New Yorkers like the Patrino family.

To find a local NOEP provider or to learn more about SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs, visit www.FoodHelpNY.org.

Hunger Solutions New York is a statewide organization dedicated to alleviating hunger for all New Yorkers. For more information visit www.HungerSolutionsNY.org.