Heat and eat with SNAP

As temperatures drop, heating costs rise for all New Yorkers. This rise in heating costs forces some to make an impossible choice – pay to keep their homes at a safe temperature or buy the groceries they need to stay healthy. For New Yorkers facing this decision, SNAP could make it possible to do both.

SNAP is a monthly supplement to one’s food budget. People who participate in the program are given a special debit card called an EBT card that is used to buy groceries. Because SNAP dollars are spent at local grocery stores, SNAP is helping both the residents of our community and the businesses that serve them.

With SNAP, lower income families, children, veterans, college students and older adults will be able to buy the nutritious foods they need to stay strong and healthy through the winter months while keeping the heat on.

Anyone in Tioga County interested in getting more information about SNAP or getting a free and confidential prescreening to find out if they may be eligible to participate should contact the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP).

Locally, the Tioga County NOEP coordinator is Kathy Latson, and she can be reached by calling (607) 687-6721 x1190. They are located on Taylor Road in Owego.