CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — According to Feeding America.org, over 41,000 people in Nueces County are considered food insecure.
This means, about 11 percent of people in our area go hungry. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it worse, and now, for the first time, many people are looking into programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP.
It may seem easy, but the application process in reality is quite tedious.
It can be done online or at home, but the quickest and easiest way to get an application approved is online, said Coastal Bend Food Bank SNAP Program Supervisor Kate Hilliard.
The Coastal Bend Food Bank wants to make sure everyone is getting the proper nutrition in our area. Hilliard said the food bank offers guidance to applying for SNAP benefits.
"There's definitely quite a bit of food insecurity, in our area," she said. "And so SNAP, again, it's supplemental; it's considered to be supplemental. But definitely during this time could help out so many families."
Hilliard said as long as applicants have the proper documentation, the food bank is able to help them through the application process.
Here's what you'll need to apply for SNAP Benefits:
- Household income from anyone applying
- How many people live in your household
- Proof of rent and bills
- Documents showing what you spend your money on (vehicles, bank account, stocks, etc.)
- Health Insurance information
Because of COVID-19, interviews currently are not required to get approved.
Once you have applied, the next step is to wait for approval. You can check your status online or wait for confirmation in the mail.
Hilliard said the food bank also offers services in applying for other federal programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP.
To get assistance from the Coastal Bend Food Bank, you can find their number here.