LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE
The Health Care Authority’s mission is: We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Food Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Program Overview
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a state and federal program that helps people buy the food they need. It is the largest food program in America. To get SNAP, all eligibility factors must be met. If someone is approved for SNAP, they get money to buy food each month. They are issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The card can be used like a debit card at participating grocery stores, convenience stores and farmer’s markets. Each month someone is eligible benefits will be loaded to the EBT card. SNAP EBT cards can be used to buy food or seeds to grow food.
What You Should Know
You need to apply for SNAP to see if you are eligible. Your SNAP will start from the date you apply. You may also need to complete an interview with state staff. The interview can be in person or by phone. SNAP applications can take up to 30 days to be processed. Sometimes people can get SNAP faster. This emergency assistance is called “Expedited SNAP”. SNAP benefits are usually approved for a year. You may need to tell us about your household every 6 months. This is called an interim report. Your SNAP benefits may end if you do not complete it. We will let you know if something is needed and when it is needed. To get more information about SNAP, click here.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Program Overview
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides monthly nutritious food boxes to seniors each month. The boxes are for New Mexicans who are at least 60 years old. Funding for the boxes comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). There are other eligibility factors. The food is meant to be a supplement to their regular diet. There are four warehouses that give out food boxes at 127 different sites around the state. Some sites distribute a food box to people who are eligible each month. Some give them out every other month.
What You Should Know
You can’t apply for CSFP on YES.NM.GOV. You need to complete an application to see if you qualify for CSFP. You need to complete an application at a CSFP site near you. When you go, you need to show certain things. You’ll need to show something that proves who you are and your age. You can use a driver’s license or state-issued photo ID for this. You’ll need to give your address and tell us your monthly income. To get more information about CSFP food and the locations, click here.
The Emergency Assistance Food Program
Program Overview
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides healthy food items. The food is 100% American grown and is supplied by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Households need to meet certain factors to get TEFAP. They need to be residents of New Mexico. There are also income guidelines that need to be met. TEFAP is to help supplement a household’s food needs.
What You Should Know
You’ll need to complete an application to see if you can get TEFAP. You can complete an application at a TEFAP site near you. You will need to provide proof of some things when you apply. You’ll need to provide proof of who you are and where you live. A driver’s license or a state-issued photo ID can be used to prove who you are. You can show a utility bill to prove you live in New Mexico. You’ll need to give some information about your household size. You’ll also need to give information about your household’s monthly income. Backup documentation is not required. To get more information about TEFAP, click here.
SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child when school is out for summer. SUN Bucks can be used to purchase food from authorized retailers in participating states, Tribes, and territories. It may also be known as Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (or Summer EBT) in certain locations. To get more information about SUN Bucks, click here.
