The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 renamed the federal program the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) effective October 1, 2008. SNAP is designed to promote the general welfare and safeguard the health and well-being of the nation’s population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households. The program is called the Food Stamp Program in Missouri.

How Are Food Stamps Used?

Each participating household receives an allotment of food benefits based on the USDA’s “Thrifty Food Plan”. This allotment is adjusted annually according to the U. S. Department of Labor’s analysis of the cost of food. Missouri Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is the method by which households receive and use Food Stamp benefits.

Households may use their Missouri EBT card in any grocery store or retail location anywhere in the United States that has been authorized by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and displays the Quest® sign. The benefits may be used to purchase any food or food products prepared for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and tobacco, hot foods, or foods prepared for immediate consumption. Benefits may also be used to buy seeds and plants for use in gardens to produce food for the personal consumption of the household. Under certain conditions, members of the eligible households who are 60 years of age or older may use the benefits to pay for home delivered meals and other meals prepared for elderly persons.

The EBT cardholder may check account balances and history of EBT transactions, and may view frequently asked cardholder questions on the web site at: www.ebtEdge.com

Do I Qualify For Food Stamp Benefits?

To see if you might qualify for Food Stamps, a pre-screening tool for the Food Stamp Program is available.

Anyone may apply for Food Stamps. To apply, complete the Food Stamp application form and return it to your local Family Support Division (FSD) office. Instructions for completing this form are also available.

English:
Application For Food Stamp Benefits Form
Instructions: Application For Food Stamp Benefits
Apply for Food Stamp Benefits on-line
Español:
Solicitud De Beneficios Para El Programa Estampillas Por Alimentos Forma
Instrucciones: Solicitud De Beneficios Para El Programa Estampillas Por Alimentos
Solicite el Cupón de alimentos (Aplicación en línea)

You can return the application in person, by mail or by fax. View address information or fax numbers for FSD county offices or you may fax the application to 573-522-6220.

An interview must be completed to determine your eligibility for Food Stamp benefits. The interview can be by phone or in-person.

How do I apply for replacement of Food Stamp benefits used to purchase food which has been destroyed?

If you have lost food purchased with Food Stamp benefits due to the weather, ice storm, fire, flood, tornado, or other household misfortune outside your control, contact your local county office to complete a request for replacement. Or, you may complete the Statement of Loss/Replacement Request form and fax to your local office fax number or 573-522-6220.