Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps.  SNAP benefits are electronic benefits that can be used like cash to buy food at any store that has a sign displaying the Quest logo or a picture of the Virginia Electronic Transfer Benefit card. 

Each eligible household will receive a card that may be used like a bank debit card to purchase eligible food items from your account. 

With SNAP benefits, you can also purchase seeds to grow a garden. The program is designed to help prevent hunger and malnutrition by ensuring a better diet for a low-income household. It is not designed to supply all food needs, only to supplement them.           

Residents can now apply for Social Services benefits online through CommonHelp.  CommonHelp is a web-based site to apply for benefit programs (food, child care, heating and cooling bills, health care and cash assistance)  Visit CommonHelp to apply.