Radio Script

February 2nd- “Getting to Know SNAP with More in My Basket”

This is Taylor Lynn, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. Our program today is “Getting to know SNAP with More in My Basket” SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It’s a national food assistance program that helps millions of households put food on the table and live active, healthy lives. If you’re approved for SNAP, you receive a set amount of benefits each month on an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, or EBT card. The EBT card works just like a debit card and can be used to buy food at grocery stores, convenience stores, and even some farmers markets. The card is protected by a PIN, and you can manage your balance using the EBTEdge app. SNAP benefits can’t be used for things like alcohol, tobacco, non food items or hot ready-to-eat foods. But you can use SNAP to purchase ingredients to prepare foods at home or buy seeds and edible plants to grow food at home. SNAP is designed to be a hunger safety net for those who qualify. There’s no waiting list, and applications are processed locally through your county. Still, about one in six people who are eligible don’t participate. If you think SNAP could help you or someone you know, you can apply in person at your local DSS office, online through the ePASS website, or by contacting More in My Basket. This has been Taylor Lynn with the NC Cooperative Extension, Burke Center. For more information you can contact us at 764-9480