These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Start with their month
You can ask"What day does your SNAP come? About when does it run out?"
You can ask"How many people eat from it? Do you have a stove and a fridge?"
You can say"Lots of people run short. A simple plan and a few free food places can carry you to the end of the month."
Check the balance on the EBT line, the ebtEDGE app or the last store receipt.
NM Health Care Authority
EBT card help line (FIS, 24 hours): lost or stolen card, PIN, balance
1-800-843-8303
· 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
2Make a 4-week plan
Write the SNAP amount down. Divide it by 4. That is the grocery money for each week.
Week 1 (the day SNAP comes): buy the staples that last: dry beans, rice, masa harina, flour, oats, oil, salt, sugar, and meat to freeze.
Weeks 2 and 3: buy fresh food in small amounts: eggs, milk, fruit, vegetables, tortillas.
Week 4: eat from the pantry shelf. Use free food (below) to fill in.
See the guide "Wants to stock up on beans, rice, masa, flour, sugar, salt and oil".
3Stretch every dollar
Cook big pots and eat leftovers. Beans and rice cost much less than meat and still give protein.
See the guide "Wants to cook cheap, filling meals from beans, rice, masa and flour".
SNAP doubles on New Mexico-grown fruits and vegetables at the farmers market.
See the guide "Wants more fresh fruit and vegetables with SNAP (Double Up Food Bucks)".
SNAP can buy seeds and plants that grow food. A few chile, squash or bean plants can feed you all summer.
See the guide "Wants free seeds or plants to grow food".
4Make sure they get the full amount
You can say"If your rent, bills or family changed, your SNAP might be too low."
Tell Income Support about: rent or mortgage, utility bills, child care costs, child support you pay, and medical costs if 60+ or disabled. These can raise SNAP.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
SNAP food benefits
1-800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm for lunch. Phone line (1-800-283-4465) Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
At the Gospel MissionOur case worker can help report changes on YES New Mexico (yes.state.nm.us).
Keep the PIN secret and cover the keypad. Stolen SNAP is no longer paid back.
5Fill the gaps with free food
At the Gospel MissionBreakfast and lunch every weekday at the soup kitchen. Use them so SNAP lasts longer.
At the Gospel MissionPlan Mission food pantry visits for the last week of the SNAP month. Ask the front desk how often they can come.
At the Gospel MissionThursday Morning Market, the Senior Pantry (55+), and weekend snack bags.
The Commons Center for Food Security & Sustainability
Grant County Community Food Pantry
575-388-2988
501 E 13th St (green building at the front), Silver City · Tue, Wed, Thu 11 am-3 pm; also 1st Saturday of the month 10 am-noon
See the guide "Hungry today and needs food for the month".
More help like this
Wants to apply for SNAP, Medicaid or cash helpUse when someone wants to apply for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid (Turquoise Care), or cash help (TANF or General Assistance), or needs to renew them.Has a disability and can't work (SSI or SSDI)Use when someone can't work because of a health problem or disability and wants to apply for SSI or Social Security disability (SSDI).Has medical bills they can't pay, or lost their MedicaidUse when someone owes a hospital or doctor money, got a surprise bill, or their Medicaid was cut off.Lost their EBT card, or SNAP benefits stoppedUse when someone lost their EBT card, had it stolen, forgot the PIN, sees no money on the card, or got a letter that SNAP is ending or has stopped.Gets Social Security and needs a payee or representativeUse when someone on SSI or Social Security needs someone to manage their check (a payee), wants a different payee, has a payee problem, or wants someone to help with their claim.An immigrant was told they no longer qualify for SNAP or MedicaidUse when an immigrant (refugee, asylee, parolee or other status) got a letter that SNAP or Medicaid is ending, or a mixed-status family is unsure which benefits are still safe to use.
See all guides in Food and basics →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.