Purpose

Food Stamps, a federally funded program, are used to supplement the food needs of individuals. This program helps our clients to become self-sufficient as it is a supplement for those not working or who are in transition to the job force.

The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Program became available in April, 1999 as a means of replacement for food stamp coupons. EBT Cards look and function like a bank debit card or check card.  Clients' requirements consist of attending a one-time class taught by the EBT Coordinator and thereafter, contacting E-Funds on a designated monthly date in order to verify Food Stamps deposits. Clients access Point of Sale (POS) machines made available by various grocery stores in order to make food purchases. This results in an immediate reduction of account funds and clients know, based on store receipts, their remaining balances for future purchases. Beyond daily class training, assistance is also available to clients by the EBT Coordinator in maintaining card functions and account information.

Eligibility

Financial guidelines are interpreted by the caseworkers in order to determine eligibility.

Application Procedure

Visit our office at 1966-H Morganton Boulevard in Lenoir to apply.  Applications are handled by various eligibility workers who approve or deny cases and determine Food Stamps amounts, if applicable. Upon approval, clients' information is passed along to the Electronic Benefits Transfer Coordinator who then schedules training and, upon completion, activates the EBT cards.

Special Information

The federal Food Stamp program issues an average of $837,369 in benefits per month to Caldwell County residents (as of October 2005).  Almost all of this money stays in Caldwell County's economy, when recipients spend their benefits in local stores.  Food Stamps cannot be used to buy non-food items, alcohol, or tobacco products.