The Food Stamp Program is designed to promote the general welfare and to safeguard the health and well being of the nation's population by raising the levels of nutrition among low-income households. Section 2 of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 states, in part:
"Congress hereby finds that the limited food purchasing power of low-income households contributes to hunger and malnutrition among members of such households. Congress further finds that increased utilization of food in establishing and maintaining adequate national levels of nutrition will promote the distribution in a beneficial manner of the Nation's agricultural abundance and will strengthen the Nation's agricultural economy, as well as result in more orderly marketing and distribution of foods. To alleviate such hunger and malnutrition, a food stamp program is herein authorized which will permit low-income households to obtain a more nutritious diet through normal channels of trade by increasing food purchasing power for all eligible households who apply for participation."
The county directors of departments of social services are responsible for the certification of applicant households. The county must provide an application for participation in the Food Stamp Program to any person upon request and must accept an identifiable application when submitted. An identifiable application is an application containing a legible name and address that has been signed. The person making the application is responsible for cooperating with the county in providing the information necessary for the county to make a determination of eligibility. The county must accept an identifiable application when submitted even if an appointment for an interview is assigned at a future date.  Counties must continue their efforts to assure timely and correct certifications by increasing certification staff and providing adequate certification facilities.
1. County departments of social services have direct responsibility for:
a. Determining the eligibility of applicants for the program;
b. Periodically reviewing such eligibility determinations;
c. Authorizing food stamp benefits to those certified as eligible; and
d. Providing every applicant and participating household an opportunity for a fair hearing.

A breakdown of the households receiving food stamps in Stokes County shows that 90% of those receiving assistance are Caucasian, 9% are Black, and less than 1% are Hispanic. A breakdown by age reveals that 41% are between the ages of 0-15; 31% are between the ages of 16-40; 17% are between the ages of 41-64; and 11% are above 65 years of age.   Unless exempt, recipients between the ages of 16 - 59 must participate in a work program.

According to the North Carolina Hunger Network, people often experience hunger as a result of unemployment, single motherhood, major health crises, loss of work due to plant closings, violence, drug or alcohol use by a spouse, debt, low wages, responsibility for raising grandchildren or older parents, death of a spouse and family conflicts. The Stokes County Food Stamp Unit wants citizens in Stokes County to take advantage of the services available if they need them and meet the eligibility criteria.  We do not want anyone to go hungry!

The Food Stamp Program also benefits the community by bringing federal dollars in to the county. Approximately 75% of the food stamps issued are spent right here in the county. Many small country stores benefit as well as the larger grocery stores in the county.

For questions about eligibility, contact the Department of Social Services at 593-2861. Applications for Food Stamps can be taken at the Danbury Office Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM. Also, if you are aware of abuses of the Food Stamp Program in Stokes County, please contact this office to report your concerns.