Food and Nutrition Programs

If you need to consult with an attorney, please contact the Erie County Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service.

Food stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are provided through the Erie County Assistance Office to low-income working and non-working families and individuals. The number of SNAP benefits you get is based on the income, after certain deductions, and the size of your household. The value of certain types of property and possessions may also affect eligibility. In addition, there are limits on the amount of time certain adults can get SNAP benefits. The receipt of SNAP does not create any kind of lien against your real estate, including the home where you live. More information about SNAP can be found at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/SNAP.aspx

You can apply for SNAP online at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/SNAP.aspx or at the Erie County Assistance office, 1316 Holland Street in Erie, phone 461-2000.

Food benefits in addition to SNAP are available for Children. These include the free or reduced-price school breakfast and lunch program and the Woman, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. To apply for the school breakfast and lunch program contact the school district which your child attends to get an application.

WIC is an income-based supplemental nutrition program designed for pregnant women and children birth to 6 years of age. WIC is administered through the Department of Health. WIC provides vouchers good for dairy, formula, iron-fortified foods such as cereal, dry beans, and juices. There are also farmer's market vouchers in the summer for fresh produce. For more information go to the Erie County WIC website at https://www.eriecountywic.org/ or call 459-1948 x221.  

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