Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley now sponsors the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - S.N.A.P. outreach and enrollment program in Frederick and Carroll Counties, Maryland.

The S.N.A.P. enables families to buy the food they need for good health - these benefits are NOT cash. This program is also designed to address the hunger concerns in our area. The S.N.A.P. benefits are provided on an electronic card much like an ATM or bank card to use for grocery store purchases for eligible families.

At present, there are a total of 19,923 individuals living in poverty in Frederick and Carroll Counties. There are over 4000 individuals who are eligible for these services that do not presently receive them - including the working poor and our elderly populations.

The promotion of healthy eating and living is made possible when nutritious fruits, vegetables, meats and grains are able to be purchased. S.N.A.P. affords eligible individuals and families the opportunity to prepare, share and enjoy satisfying meals.

To receive S.N.A.P. benefits, your income and other financial resources must be under certain limits; you may use the Maryland SAIL screening to determine which social service benefit program you and members of your family are eligible to receive. IT DOES NOT GUARANTEE YOU WILL QUALIFY FOR THESE PROGRAMS. Specific verification must be submitted upon request.

Go to the bottom of the page and click on "Start Eligibility Screening Now!"

You can also visit https://www.marylandsail.org/Screening/Default.aspx and fill out the pre-screening application on your own. Go to the bottom of the screen and click on: "Start Eligibility Screening Now!" Remember: The local MD Department of Social Services may ask for documentation of income and expenses so you must be prepared to verify your income and bills within the 30-day application period.

S.N.A.P.-Related Services offered by Goodwill:

Outreach Services - informational presentations and signups at local nonprofits, faith-based groups, food banks, senior centers and housing facilities and childcare centers that serve potentially-eligible households.

Pre-screening Services - Prescreening of individuals/families during outreach sessions to determine eligibility for food stamp coverage will be provided upon request.

To schedule an appointment, please contact Patricia Nazzal at (240) 397-0086.

Application Assistance Services - Assistance in completing MD's online application either at the outreach event or at a later appointment.

Food Stamp Education Services - Potential S.N.A.P. recipients will receive comprehensive education about food stamp eligibility and the best ways to utilize and maximize S.N.A.P. benefits.

Patricia Nazzal, the Goodwill S.N.A.P. Outreach Specialist, is also available to speak to groups such as service providers and their clients, faith-based organizations and gatherings, conferences and nonprofit trade shows and events. To schedule her for these important outreach and education activities, call her at (240) 397-0086 or e-mail her at pnazzal@gimv.org