The Food Council has fully trained, bilingual Food Resource Specialists who can assist residents with accessing food benefits and referrals to essential services.
In addition to continuing to assist residents with SNAP applications, our team can assist with SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) applications, MC Groceries applications and school meal (FARMS) applications, as well as connecting residents with WIC benefits, farmers market nutrition programs, food assistance resources near them, and other social services for which they may qualify.
For more information or to refer a resident for assistance, visit https://mocofoodcouncil.org/snapoutreach/ send us an email at SNAP@mocofoodcouncil.org or call us at 301-818-3614.
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. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement.
Q: What are the Income Limits?
A: There are two income criteria a household must meet: the gross income and the net income tests. The gross income test looks at the total amount of income before taxes. The limit is set at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. The net income test looks at monthly income minus certain deductions such as living and medical expenses. That limit is set at 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Seniors and individuals with disabilities only need to meet the net income test.
Q: What are the Citizenship Requirements?
A: US Citizens; Lawful Permanent Residents under 18 or LPR; Adults with status for 5 years or who are disabled; Refugees or asylum seekers with status; and Families with U.S. Citizen children under 18, regardless of parents’ citizenship status
Q: Who is in my household?
A: Everyone who lives together and purchases and prepares meals together is grouped together as one SNAP household. Some people who live together, such as spouses and most children under age 22, are included in the same SNAP household, even if they purchase and prepare meals separately. If a person is 60 years of age or older and unable to purchase and prepare meals separately because of a permanent disability, the person and the person’s spouse may be a separate SNAP household if the others they live with do not have very much income (no more than 165 percent of the poverty level).Normally you are not eligible for SNAP benefits if an institution gives you most of your meals. There are exceptions for elderly persons and disabled persons.
Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) may receive SNAP benefits for 3 months in a three-year period without working. After that, ABAWDs are required to spend at least 20 hours a week working, volunteering, or participating in a job training program.
An ABAWD is anyone aged 18–64, able to work, with no dependents. Use this screener to determine whether you may be subject to work requirements after the passage of H.R. 1.
The Montgomery County Food Council’s SNAP Outreach team can help prescreen you for SNAP eligibility and assist you with the SNAP application process. If you would like assistance in applying for SNAP, or to learn more about other food assistance resources, please fill out the English or Spanish SNAP referral form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also email us at SNAP@mocofoodcouncil.org or call us at 301-818-3614.
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. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement.
How does it work: Your SNAP benefits will be placed on your EBT card on the same day of each month. Those amounts can be carried over month-to-month, but any funds that are not used within 8 month period may be removed from your card.
Stolen Benefits: If you find that your SNAP benefits are missing from your Independence Card, you may have been the victim of theft or fraud. You should immediately call 800.997.2222 to cancel your card and request a new one.
You may be able to recover stolen benefits!
Click here for more information.
Retailers: You can use your SNAP benefits at most grocery stores and convenience stores.
CLICK HERE to find SNAP-authorized retailers near you! Enter your starting location and select a retailer or map point to get details and directions.
Farmers Markets: Some Farmers Markets offer matching incentives when you use your SNAP dollars and WIC Benefits.
For a complete list of incentives offered at Montgomery County farmers markets, visit Maryland Market Money
Automatic Enrollment in Free School Meals and Maryland SUN Bucks
Internet and Phone
Discounted Metro Fare
Recreation
Feb 9
This Food Security Community Call will focus on the new dietary guidelines.
Feb 11
The Maryland Food System Resiliency Council (FSRC) holds a public bi-weekly meeting with the Communication & Coordination Committee to monitor and discuss food systems bills during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session.
Feb 24
The SNAP Work Group includes organizations that provide nutrition benefits enrollment assistance to residents, the Montgomery County Office of Eligibility and Support Services, and other groups that serve residents with low-income.
Feb 25
Join the annual event to convene Montgomery County Farmers to network, provide updates, receive feedback and create a space for conversation with County council members and the agricultural community.
Feb 26
Food Recovery Collaborative/Peer Learning Circles In-person Learning and Networking Event. Open to Food Recovery Collaborative members, OFSR CFA grantees, and Hubs ONLY.
Mar 15
The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase brings together 100+ restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and artisan makers from around the region for one unforgettable culinary experience!
