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Page | 19 CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INFORMATION

1000 GENERAL INFORMATION

This chapter identifies general information relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

1100 PROGRAM PURPOSE AND SCOPE

SNAP is designed to promote the general welfare and to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation's population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households and to assist low-income adults in obtaining employment and increasing their earnings.

Congress passed the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, previously called the Food Stamp Act of 1977, in order to provide eligible households an opportunity to obtain a more nutritious diet.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enables eligible customers to purchase food with the use of SNAP benefits. The amount of benefits a household receives is determined by the level of need and household size.

Participating customers may purchase food with SNAP benefits at retail food stores authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to accept them. USDA, FNS defines the eligible food items that may be purchased with SNAP benefits.

Only eligible foods or food products intended for home consumption and seeds and plants for a home garden may be bought. Alcoholic beverages, household products, cigarettes, hot foods ready to eat, and pet food cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.

Certain aged and disabled persons and their spouses, residents of certain drug addiction or alcoholic treatment centers or blind/disabled persons living in community support provider facilities may use their benefits to buy prepared meals, such as meals on wheels.

1110 STATEMENT OF DSS'S PRIMARY GOAL

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is administered under the umbrella of the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS). DSS strengthens and supports individuals and families by promoting cost effective and comprehensive services in connection with our partners that foster independent and healthy families.

Our guiding principles are: A. We believe families have the right to be safe and secure. B. We believe in providing opportunities and choices that support the needs of families through available and accessible services. C. We believe in collaborative communications, teamwork, partnerships, and trust for essential family services. D. We believe in respecting individual and cultural differences by treating people with dignity, fairness and respect. E. We believe in focusing on results, quality, and continuous improvement, and on using state- of-the-art technology to be more efficient and effective. F. We believe in professional and well-trained staff who are competent, accountable and empowered.