SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is the new name for the federal

Food Stamp Program. The name change reflects the focus on nutrition and putting

healthy foods within reach for low-income households. States' programs may
use different names. Delaware's program is called the Food Supplemental Program. The
SNAP/Food Supplemental Program is the only federal benefit program available
nationwide to all who need it and meet eligibility standards, regardless of their age or
family composition. To apply for the Food Supplemental Program in Delaware click here.

In Delaware: 88,430 people receive SNAP/Food Supplemental Program assistance each
month. Approximately 50 percent are under the age of 18. The average monthly benefit is
$96.00 per person. The monthly benefit lasts approximately 2.5 weeks. Nationally: 33.1
million people receive SNAP/Food Supplemental Program assistance each month. The
average benefit is $102 per person per month.

To stretch food dollars, SNAP/Food Supplemental Program participants often choose foods that are low- cost and calorie-dense with a lower nutrient content. Poor dietary choices lack variety and can lead to overweight/obesity.

SNAP-Ed is nutrition education provided by the Registered Dietitian/Community Nutritionist at the Food Bank of Delaware to assist people in making healthy food choices within their budgets. Participants can attend free classes or food demonstrations at various sites throughout the state.

The goal of SNAP-Ed is to "improve the likelihood that persons eligible for the SNAP/Food Supplemental Program will make healthy food choices within a limited budget and choose physically active lifestyles consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid."

The guiding principles:
1. Food Security
2. Food Resource Management
3. Food Safety
4. Dietary Quality

For more information about SNAP-Ed classes through the Food Bank of Delaware contact,

New Castle County -  Beverly Jackey, RD at (302) 292-1305 ext 244 or bjackey@fbd.org.

Kent and Sussex Counties - Anna Field at (302) 424-3301 ext 105 or afield@fbd.org. 

For more information on the SNAP program click here.
For more nutrition information click here.