Pierce County SNAP-Ed Program

04/26/2022

We are offering free Nutrition Classes ( Plan, Shop,Save and Cook) at our Pierce County Human Services building! Please check out the flyers for the dates and times, and contact Svetlana to sign up! Space is limited.

11/12/2021

SNAP Produce Match

Limited Time: $10 SNAP Produce Match coupons in Safeway Stores

From November 10th through December 31st, Safeway stores will offer $10 SNAP Produce Match coupons after a SNAP shopper spends $10 on qualifying fruits and vegetables. This offer is only available for 7 weeks over the holiday season. This limited time offer is made possible through a generous donation by Safeway/Albertsons.

10/26/2021

The November emergency allotment has been approved for individuals and families that qualify for Washington's Basic Food Program (read: SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps).

Unsure if you qualify for Basic Food? Use this estimator to determine your estimated monthly benefits! https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ESA/csd/documents/bfcalculator/bf_benefit_estimator.htm

Note: Emergency allotment refers to the maximum amount of food costs per household, as long as you meet WA SNAP eligibility criteria.

NOVEMBER EMERGENCY ALLOTMENTS UPDATE: Good news! DSHS has received federal approval to provide extra food benefits up to the maximum allowed for each household for November 2021.

If you normally receive your food benefits Nov. 1 - 2, you will see the emergency allotment amount on your EBT card Nov. 2.

If you normally receive your food benefits between Nov. 3 – 20, you will receive the full amount on your regular issuance date.

DSHS will continue to request future federal emergency allotments on a month-by-month basis.

USDA Food and Nutrition Service determined households with a usual benefit amount of $0 are not eligible for emergency maximum allotments. If you have questions about your specific food benefits case, please call 877-501-2233.

04/23/2021

To all the aspiring gardeners, green-thumb enthusiasts, and food-system sustainability advocates - spread the word!
The Emergency Food Network is giving out NO-COST plant starts to the Pierce County community. What a wonderful opportunity to learn how to grow your own food.

Today is the second week of Grow Your Food Seed Starts! Swing by EFN’s Lakewood Distribution Center (3318 S 92nd St), McCarver/Bamford, or University Place community gardens to receive some free seed starts! See all pickup locations at https://efoodnet.org/get-involved/grow-your-food/.

Today’s starts include kale, red lettuce, green lettuce, and collards. Seed starts are available until we run out. More starts will be available at next week's event.

03/05/2021

Psst... Spread the word: P-EBT is back in a 2.0 edition.
Did your child go to a K-12 school this school year that closed or had reduced hours due to the pandemic?
Is your child eligible for free or reduced-price school meals?
Then your child may be eligible for P-EBT this school year.

Learn more at www.dshs.wa.gov/pebt or call the P-EBT Contact Center at 1-833-518-0282 with questions.

You can also visit the OSPI website, https://bit.ly/3sSUH7w, to get clarification on eligibility, benefits, and additional information.

Second round of P-EBT to start late-March for first part of 2020–21 school year

03/03/2021

We like to celebrate nutrition all year long, but March gets a little added attention because it is when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates . This year’s theme for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is to “Personalize Your Plate” as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to food choices and “healthy” eating.

Also, FYI: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched the newest edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in December 2020. In this edition, their call to action, with the for Americans focuses on four overarching guidelines.

Guideline #2 encourages Americans to “customize and enjoy nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations.” What’s on your plate?

11/04/2020

According to a recent study by the USDA, each SNAP dollar spent, increases the local economy by $1.54. Tacoma Farmers Market matches funds 1:1 so EBT users can stretch that grocery budget further.
Paid for in part by Pierce County CARES Act funding. Photo credit to Anika Moran (TFM Executive Director).

08/14/2020

Extension for the Pandemic EBT Application Deadline has been approved by the USDA!

Families now have until September 11, 2020 to apply for P-EBT. Eligible families with children in grades K-12 are receiving funds on an EBT card, yet there are still 250,000 eligible kids in Washington State who have not applied or been approved for this one-time benefit. To apply, fill out an online application at the Washington Connection website: http://ow.ly/K4yv50ADjeV

P-EBT is intended for all eligible families affected by COVID-19, regardless of citizenship status. It is not considered a public charge determination. For more information (and for information in multiple languages), visit k12.wa.us/PEBT

07/14/2020

It’s not too late to take the Washington State Food Security Survey!
All state residents 18 and over can participate and enter a drawing to win one of fifty $50 grocery cards. The survey runs until July 31, 2020.

Take the survey: https://redcap.link/wafood

Learn more: https://nutr.uw.edu/cphn_project/examining-impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-food-systems-food-security-and-food-access-in-washington-state/