People living on a low-income, such as full-time students and low wage earners, often have a hard time purchasing healthy food. The Colorado Department of Health and Human Services offers a food assistance program to help struggling people afford the food they need to stay healthy. The program is open to any Colorado resident that meets eligibility requirements.
Food Assistance
The food assistance program provides Colorado residents with a monthly benefit they can use to purchase food. The food assistance program allows recipients to purchase whole fruits and vegetables, breads, meat and baking items. Recipients cannot use their monthly benefits to purchase non-food items. Under the program, recipients are issued an electronic benefits card, known as the Colorado Quest card. The card works like any debit card and the recipient can use it at any participating grocery store.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on income, resources and residency status. Applicants must be full-time Colorado residents. However, they do not need to be U.S. citizens to apply. The applicant must have limited resources and meet low-income guidelines. Applicants cannot have more than $2,000 in resources, including bank accounts, stocks, bonds and real estate. Income guidelines depend on the size of the family. For example, individuals can make no more than $1,174 gross a month to qualify, according to the Colorado Department of Human Services. College students who meet these requirements can apply for the food stamp program.
Applying
Potential applicants will need to complete an application before being considered for the food assistance program (see Resources). The applicant includes basic information such as the applicant's residency status, work status and information about any family members who live with them. Every applicant will need to provide a Social Security number for everyone in their family. Applicants can print an application from the Colorado Department of Human Service's website or complete one in person at their local County Department of Human or Social Services office.
Requirements
All applicants will need to complete an interview with a SNAP caseworker, either over the phone or in person. The caseworker will review the applicant's resources, income and residency to determine if they qualify. Applicants will need to provide the caseworker with proof of their identity, residency status and citizenship status. If the applicant is employed, he will need to provide pay stubs for the last 30 days, according to the Colorado Department of Human Services. The casework may ask for additional documentation during the interview.
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