What is SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps)? 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal safety-net program that provides benefits to eligible households so that they can buy nutritious food at grocery stores, farm stands and even some online grocery providers. Households receive an EBT card (electronic benefits transfer)–like a debit/credit card—that you can use to purchase your food. 

Need help applying or re-applying? Or have a question? The Open Door is here to help! 

Email us at snap@foodpantry.org OR call 978-283-6776 and choose Option 2 to book an appointment. 

View the application here 

View the income limits for SNAP here 

REMEMBER: Use “The ‘ Door before the Store!to maximize your SNAP benefits. Place a FREE, weekly custom grocery order with The Open Door before using your SNAP benefits each month to stretch your dollars! Request an online account here or give us a call at 978-283-6776. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

If I receive SNAP benefits, does that take them away from someone else? No. SNAP is set up to help any household that is eligible.  

Do I have to pay back my SNAP benefits? No. 

Will SNAP impact my immigration status? No, for more information on this click here.  

Can I shop at farm stands with my SNAP benefits? YES! Learn more about the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) here that provides extra money on top of your monthly benefit ($40; $60 or $80 extra depending upon your household size) if you buy your produce from eligible farmers markets and farm stands.  

Can applying for SNAP make me eligible for more help? YES! Ask our Client Services Department about Free School Meals, WIC, utility discounts and the Healthy Incentive Program (HIP). 

Is it true that my EBT card can also help me get free or discounted access to local museums and cultural institutions? Yes! Learn more about this here

Can I still get free groceries at The Open Door if I have SNAP? Yes! In fact, we encourage you to do so to make the most of your SNAP benefit by getting what you can from our food pantries. Remember: “Use The ‘Door before the store!” 

*Note: SNAP is administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) in Massachusetts. The Open Door is here to help you navigate the application and recertification process with the DTA. We can also help advocate for you if a problem arises. 

Non-Discrimination Statement 

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. 

Program information may be made available in languages other than English.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to: 

  1. mail: 
    Food and Nutrition Service, USDA 
    1320 Braddock Place, Room 334 
    Alexandria, VA 22314; or 
  1. fax: 
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 
  1. email: 
    FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. 

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