SNAP
What is SNAP?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, used to be referred to as Food Stamps.
Do you give out the SNAP benefits?
No, we provide application assistance and guidance. We can help you complete the application over the phone by calling us directly at 1-833-822-SNAP (7627). Your application will then go to your local County Assistance Office where a Case Worker will review your application and communicate through letters. They will determine if you are able to receive benefits and how much they will be. If eligible, an EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card will be mailed to you and you will use this like a debit card at any stores (grocery/convenience) that accept EBT. You can always call us with any questions and we can help guide you in the process.
I need some help but I am afraid of taking benefits away from others who need them more than I do.
You will not be taking benefits away from anyone. This is called an Entitlement Program. Basically, if you need the help and meet the requirements, you will receive the benefits.
SENIOR BOXES
Where can I sign up for a Senior Box?
We can help sign you up if you live in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Greene, Lawrence and Somerset Counties. Call us at 412-460-3663 ext. 720.
Washington County, Food Helpers: 724-632-2190
Indiana County, ICCAP: 412-465-2657
Cambria County, Food For Families: 814-535-3315
Fayette County, FCCAP: 724-580-7001
Butler County, Community Action Partnership: 724-431-3623
Indiana County, ICCAP: 412-465-2657
Cambria County, Food For Families: 814-535-3315
Fayette County, FCCAP: 724-580-7001
Butler County, Community Action Partnership: 724-431-3623
Can this be delivered to me?
The Food Bank partners with DoorDash to provide a limited number of home delivered Senior Boxes each month through our Doorstep Delivery program. Home delivery is not available to everyone and cannot be guaranteed. Learn more here.
PANTRIES
How do I sign up?
Most places require Proof of Residency (something with your name and address on it like a driver’s license, state issued ID, utility bill, etc.) and proof of income (if available). You register the first time you arrive and will “check-in” any subsequent times.
Can someone else pick the box up for me?
Yes, you may have a someone else (a proxy) pick up for you. You will need to sign a proxy form.
What is the closest pantry to me?
Please check our Find Food Guide to locate a pantry near you.
I don’t see anything near me!
You can also contact the United Way by dialing 2-1-1 on your phone. They may be able to help you find additional resources near you.
Can I go to all of the pantries in my area?
No, you will choose one pantry in your area to go to. If you need additional food, you can also attend any or all the Distributions.
DISTRIBUTIONS
Can I pick up for other people?
Yes, you can pick up for up to three households per car. Each person will need to complete their own registration including a self-declaration of need. If the person you are picking up for has not submitted a proxy form, you will need to bring a completed copy of the TEFAP Proxy Form in order to pick up their food.
What time should I arrive?
You can arrive at any time between the hours stated on the website. Sometimes our distribution team tries to manage traffic by assigning distribution times to our guests.
Can I only go to the one in my area?
There is no limit to how many of these you can attend, we just ask you to register ahead of time.
DELIVERY
I am unable to leave the house, do you deliver to homes?
Our proxy program allows your friend or familiy member to pick up and delivery food to you directly. We offer home delivery to low income seniors who are homebound through our Senior Box program. Home delivery cannot be guaranteed. Visit our Doorstep Delivery page to learn more.
FARMERS’ MARKET VOUCHERS FOR SENIORS
What is this program?
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides seniors with coupons that can be used at farmer’s markets. This is an income based program that you must self declare on an application.
Where do I get these vouchers?
You will need to contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Location information is here.
FARMERS’ MARKET VOUCHERS FOR WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN (WIC)
What is this program?
There is another program similar to the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), but for Women on WIC. Information on these programs can be found here.
EMERGENCY FOOD
I need food now, what do I do?
You are welcome to visit our on-site food pantry, The Market, twice per month for food assistance. The Market is open six days a week. Please call our Call Center at 412-460-3663 x655 with any questions you have, or to get help with signing up for food assistance programs.
If you do not have transportation to get here or we are closed, please call the United Way by dialing 2-1-1. They can refer you to other help. You may also want to contact local churches or hospitals for additional help.
VOLUNTEER
How can I volunteer with you?
We would love to have you! View our volunteer page, call 412-745-7600 or email [email protected] for more information.
THE MARKET
How do I qualify?
Families must have income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty guidelines, and a resident of either Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset or Washington County. If you feel you do not meet these guidelines, give us a call at 412.460.3663 x655 to see how we can help you.
What’s a shopping buddy?
Shopping buddies accompany guest with shopping carts as they make their product selections in the Market. They encourage families to try a variety of healthy nutritious food and fresh produce. While shopping, the shopping buddies share wholesome recipes and help guest find the items needed to prepare the meal.
How can I get food if I do not live in your service area?
Call 2-1-1, visit 211.org or use our Find Food Guide to find a food pantry near you.
What do I need to bring with me?
When visiting The Market, you must bring a photo ID with your current address listed every time you visit. If your photo ID does not have your current address listed, please bring another proof of residency (social security statement or utility bill). We also ask that you bring reusable bags for your groceries.
What if I can only visit between 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m.?
Guests who arrive between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. will be offered a Market Mix pre-packed box but will not be invited to shop during that time. Guests can pick up OrderAhead orders during shopping hours or during the 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. non-shopping time.
Is there a lot of paperwork?
No, there is not a lot of paperwork. We register you electronically and it only takes about five minutes to complete your registration. Once you are registered, you will check-in for future visits by scanning your shopper’s card that we issue during your first visit.
Do I need to make an appointment?
No appointments needed.
What do I do when I get there?
At The Market, you will be greeted and given a number then escorted to the intake office to get registered. When your number is called you can start shopping for groceries with a shopping buddy.
How many times can I visit?
You are welcome to visit The Market twice per month, but not more than one time in a single week.
Can I get food for someone else?
Yes, as long as the person you are getting food for has completed a proxy form with your name on it. If there is a current proxy form on file with your name on it, you can pick up a pre-packed Market Mix box for them or you can pick up their OrderAhead order. Please note that no one can shop for someone else. You are welcome to pick up for up to two households other than your own.
Can someone else get food for me?
Yes, as long as you have a completed proxy form on file with their name on it. Please note that the person you list as your proxy cannot shop for you, but they will be able to pick up a pre-packed Market Mix box or an OrderAhead order that you’ve placed in advance. Any other person who is listed as a member of your household and is over the age of 18 can shop in The Market for your household.
What kind of food do you have?
We offer a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, shelf stable items, meats and non-food.
Do I get to pick my own food?
Yes but all guests will shop with a shopping buddy.
How much does it cost?
Our service is provided to the community at no cost.
Do you have other ways you can help me?
Yes, customers can sign up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as Food Stamps. We also have information about other resources and support services. To talk to someone about other food assistance resources available to you, please contact our Call Center: 412.460.3663 x655
How can I find out about SNAP and other resources?
We have a Community Connections Team available on-site to help you complete a SNAP application or answer any other questions you may have about our resources. For more information about SNAP and other resources, please call 412.460.3663 x655, visit this page or visit the Market!