SNAP
What does SNAP stand for and purpose?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) assists with the purchase of foods for either low-income or food insecure families or individuals.
Why go to a Food Bank?
If all monetary + SNAP benefits have been exhausted, going to a food bank provides access to foods at no cost to patients or families.
What is the purpose of a soup kitchen and who can go?
-The purpose of soup kitchens is for individuals or families who are unable to afford meals or do not have the means to prepare food themselves.
-Homeless, seniors, veterans, disabled, or families with children.
WHAT IS FOOD INSECURITY?
Food insecurity can be described as uncertain, limited, or inadequate access to healthy and nutritious foods influenced by socioeconomic factors.
IS THE NAVIGATOR RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORTING PATIENTS TO GROCERY STORES, RESTAURANTS, SOUP KITCHENS, FOOD BANKS ETC? TRUE OR FALSE
FALSE
WHAT POPULATION OF PEOPLE ARE SERVED BY SNAP?
The program is beneficial for patients experiencing the following: homelessness, seniors, veterans, disabled, or families with children.
If a patient lacks transportation or has a disability to visit a local food bank, what are their options?
-Food banks such as St. Mary’s Food Bank deliver to patient homes. Must order in advance to get the emergency food box delivered on time.
-Also, can utilize any SDOH transportation discussed previously (i.e. Elaine, Ride United).
Where can patients go to find a local soup kitchen?
Visit Food - 2-1-1 Arizona (211arizona.org) for local soup kitchens. **Depending on each city or community organization, times may vary for feeding times (ex: Andre House closed Fridays).
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOOD INSECURITY AND HUNGER?
Hunger differs from food insecurity as it is a physiological feeling of not having enough food whereas food insecurity addresses having a lack of consistent access to foods.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR A NAVIGATOR TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY?
-Trying to prevent hunger because of the detrimental effect poor nutrition has on health.
-The lack of adequate food can lead to poorer health outcomes and often exacerbate certain health conditions.
Can anyone participate in the Restaurant Meals Program?
Requirements: Must have a disability, 60 yrs of age or older, or homeless.
Where can you find a local food bank near where your patient lives?
Visit https://azfoodhelp.org/partners for local food banks.
What are home-delivered meals?
Aka Meals on Wheels provides elderly and disabled patients a nutritious already prepared meal at no additional cost.
NAME 3 FEDERAL FOOD PROGRAMS THAT ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY?
-Food Banks: TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), CSFP (The Commodity Supplemental Food Program)
-SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), -Congregate Meals: Meals on Wheels
-Soup Kitchens
-Child Nutrition Programs: WIC
HOW WOULD YOU DETERMINE IF A PATIENT IS EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY?
-Can be done gradually or at the beginning of an intake.
-Always ask open ended questions to start dialogue to address food insecurity.
-Individual basis such as patients experiencing homelessness where food insecurity and hunger is inevitable.
Are patients able to use their EBT card to purchase foods online?
Yes, SNAP Online Purchase: Allows for the purchase of food online using their EBT card from authorized SNAP retailers. Most major grocery chains participate in this program (Fry’s, Safeway, Walmart, etc.).
What does TEFAP stand for and purpose?
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): helps supplement the diets of low-income families/individuals with emergency food assistance at no cost.
How can patients sign up for home-delivered meals?
-Area Agency on Aging funds and administers the program therefore if interested in applying please visit https://www.aaaphx.org/ or call the Senior Help line number at 602-264-4357 to get registered.
IS THE FOOD INSECURITY RATE FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN MARICOPA COUNTY ABOVE OR BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE?
Above
WHAT COUNTY IN ARIZONA HAS THE HIGHEST FOOD INSECURITY RATE?
Apache (23.6%)
How can patients apply or recertify for SNAP benefits?
If patients are interested in applying or recertifying for SNAP, please refer to
-https://des.az.gov/how-to-apply-snap or healtearizonaplus.gov
-Assist your patient by connecting them through the toll-free number (1-855-432-7587)
-Contact community organizations that will assist in applying or recertifying for SNAP benefits if having difficulties applying online or reaching a CSR via phone.
What does CSFP stand for and purpose?
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): provides food assistance for low-income seniors with a monthly package of healthy USDA commodities at no cost.
What are congregate meals and benefits?
-Provides low-income seniors with nutritious hot meals at least once a day to an eligible nutrition site, senior center or other group setting.
-Along with getting already prepared meals, provides seniors a place to socialize with one another.
WHAT IS THE FOOD INSECURITY RATE IN MARICOPA COUNTRY?
A)6.7%
B)9.2%
C)11.7%
D)52.1%
Maricopa County the food insecurity rare is 11.7% (7.3% higher than the National Average.)
Are there certain health plans that address food insecurity?
Yes, United Healthcare Dual Complete Plan: participates in the OTC/Healthy foods benefit plan where patients receive a monthly allowance of $180/month where they can purchase OTC products, pay utility bills, or purchase healthy foods.