The Virginia Department of Social Services provides food benefits through
state and federal programs to help promote the nutritional, physical and
financial well-being of Virginia families through the delivery of essential
public services.
What areas of food and nutrition do you need help with?
To determine eligibility and/or apply for SNAP benefits online,
visit CommonHelp. Paper applications are also available at your
local department of social services.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food
benefits to lower-income families to supplement their grocery budget
and can be used like cash to buy eligible food items from authorized
retailers.
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system for issuing SNAP
benefits using debit card technology. Eligible SNAP households can
spend their benefits by swiping their EBT card at a retailer and
entering their PIN.
Using SNAP at farmers markets is easy! By visiting local farmers
markets, SNAP recipients can get fresh, locally grown produce while
supporting local farmers and ranchers. You can also take advantage
of the Virginia Fresh Match program to purchase fruits and
vegetables at participating markets for half price.
Eligible SNAP customers who are experiencing homelessness, elderly,
or disabled can use their EBT card to purchase prepared meals at
participating restaurants just like they can purchase items at
grocery stores.
The WIC program supports the health of lower-income women, infants,
and children (WIC) up to age 5 by providing nutritious foods to
supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to
health care.
The Federation of Virginia Food Banks represents the Commonwealth's
largest charitable response to food insecurity, serving nearly 1,800
partner agencies and direct distribution sites statewide. All food
donations can be dropped off at your local food bank.
