Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will help you buy nutritious food for your household. You may also buy seeds or plants to grow your own food.

You may not use SNAP benefits to:

- Buy alcoholic beverages, tobacco, soap, paper products, or other nonfood items;

- Buy hot food ready to be eaten on the store premises.

SNAP benefits are issued electronically to eligible households; you will get a card that is similar to a credit or debit card to use at the authorized retailers to buy food. You must select a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and use that PIN when you swipe the card at the store. SNAP benefits will be added to your account at the beginning of every month you are approved for benefits.

Additional information about SNAP benefits is available online from the Virginia Department of Social Services at www.dss.virginia.gov. You can also contact the Richmond County Department of Social Services at (804) 333-4088.