The Food Supplement Program
Apply for the Food Supplement
Program online at SAIL.
...provides monthly assistance to low-income families to help them buy food and eat healthy. The program provides a monthly sum of money on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to be used, like a debit card, at most grocery stores and other food retailers. Every $1 in Food Supplement Program benefits spent in the community generates $1.85 in local economic activity. Maryland would gain millions in federal funds by signing up eligible households - funds that would stimulate the local economy. People who work sometimes assume they are not eligible for this program, or that time-off from work is required to apply. This is not true. Click on the link to SAIL to determine eligibility and apply.
What's happening with the Food Supplement Program in Maryland?
Coming soon to a farmers market near you – FSP!
Starting in June, three farmers’ markets in Baltimore City will begin accepting food stamp benefits via wireless EBT (electronic benefit transfer) machines. Click here for more information...
April 1, 2009 - Food Stamp Increase Takes Effect Today
Click here for more information from the Food Research and Action Center.
Improvements from the 2008 Farm Bill
Summary of the 2008 Farm Bill: What does it mean for Maryland?" (pdf) outlines how the Farm Bill has changed Maryland's Food Supplement Program. Food Supplement clients now receive more benefits each month, and more Maryland households are eligible to receive the benefit, due to changes made by the Nutrition Title of the 2008 Farm Bill.
Maryland Hunger Solutions can help by:
- analyzing the state's Food Supplement policy to advise stakeholders on systems improvements;
- providing Food Supplement outreach materials tailored to the clients you support;
- training your staff on how to conduct effective outreach and enroll clients in the Food Supplement Program;
- identifying referrals for assistance with applications or legal issues;
- helping arrange for a telephone interview if your clients are unable to get to a food stamp office for an in-person interview due to their work schedules or a hardship;
- assisting you or your clients with applying for the program or recertification.
