Food Stamps help low-income people and families buy the food they need for healthy living and a balanced diet. The Food Stamp program can help stretch your food dollars. Food Stamp eligibility is based on income and resources depending on age and household size.
The Food Stamp program is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA has a website called "Food Stamps Step 1"; www.foodstamps-step1.usda.gov. Visit the website to see if you may be eligible for Food Stamps and how much you might receive.
Direction Card
Food Stamp benefits in the state of Ohio are issued utilizing a "card" system, similar to a credit card, known as the Ohio Direction Card. Once determined eligible for the Food Stamp program, a customer is issued a Direction Card. The Direction Card can only be used by the person who knows the personal identification number (PIN). Once Food Stamp benefits are issued, the card can be used throughout the state of Ohio at any grocery vendor that is equipped for the Direction Card.