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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT Of SOCIAL SERVICES INTRODUCTION

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A. PURPOSE OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

A goal of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is to reduce hunger and increase food security. The Program permits low-income households to have a more nutritious diet through normal channels of trade by increasing the food purchasing power for eligible households. The Program also provides food when there is a disaster.

This manual provides SNAP certification procedures for Virginia. The Virginia Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Policy and Procedures Guide provides guidance for the issuance of EBT cards to eligible households.

B. HISTORY OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Food Stamp Program started in four Virginia localities (Lee, Wise, Dickenson and the City of Norton) during the pilot phase of its development before the establishment of the permanent program on a national basis. Through requests to operate the Program from local governing bodies, more than 70 localities in Virginia expanded the Program by June 1974. President Nixon signed the Farm Bill into law in August 1973 that required nationwide implementation of the Food Stamp Program effective July 1, 1974. Nationwide implementation of the Food Stamp Program eliminated the Surplus Commodity Program which was an alternate food program available to localities.

The Food Stamp Act of 1964 authorized the Food Stamp Program on a permanent basis. The Food Stamp Act of 1977 and subsequent amendments amended the 1964 Act and provide the basis of the current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 renamed the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and renamed the Food Stamp Program as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers SNAP nationally through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). In Virginia, local departments of social services operate the Program at the county/city level under the supervision of the Virginia Department of Social Services.

C. BENEFIT ISSUANCE AND USE

Eligible households receive SNAP benefits electronically. Households receive a plastic EBT card with a magnetic stripe and must use a personal identification number (PIN) to access the benefits.

During the certification interview or other agency contact with eligible households, the agency must advise or discuss with households the following: • How to access benefits using the EBT card. • The Primary Card Holder and authorized representative will each receive a card. • Cardholder should sign the EBT card upon receipt. • Selecting and protecting the PIN and EBT card. • When benefits will be available after certification and for future months and where to use the benefits. Use the EBT card at any retail store, approved restaurants, or other food

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