SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP, previously known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal program that assists households with their food purchases.

Qualifying households receive an EBT card, similar to a debit card, that allows them to purchase the food items they like, such as fruits and vegetables, meats, canned goods, etc. in most grocery and convenience stores.

Explore below to learn more about SNAP!

To see if your household might qualify for SNAP, use the "Do I Qualify?" Tool on the COMPASS PA website.

To receive personal assistance, call or fill out an online form at:

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's Call Center, 1-833-822-SNAP (7627).

or Just Harvest, 412-431-8960.


The charts below show the income cap per household size, age, and ability. *Gross income is your pay before deductions are taken out.

Refer to our partners for further eligibility questions.



1. Are you eligible? Use the "Do I Qualify?" tool on the COMPASS PA website.

2. If eligible, apply online at COMPASS PA.

Or request help-

In-person: at your local County Assistance Office or Healthy Active Living Center (Seniors 60+ only).

Over the phone:

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's Call Center, 1-833-822-SNAP (7627)

or Just Harvest, 412-431-8960.

3. Submit requested documents to your caseworker through the mail or upload documents at COMPASS PA.

4. Communicate with your assigned County caseworker. Do not hesitate to contact your local office directly if more than 2 weeks have passed without contact.

Just Harvest and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank can assist with caseworker advocacy if you are having difficulty in this process.

5. If approved, wait for your EBT card to arrive, which will be sent to your provided mailing address.

If denied, contact your caseworker for explanation, and inquire about the process of appealing a denial.

6. Start shopping! Use your EBT card at any accepting SNAP retailer, both online and in-person, to purchase food products.

Find a list of SNAP retailers with this online SNAP Retail Locator.

(SNAP cannot be used to buy non-food products, fast food, hot foods, or pet food.)


For a full list of SNAP retailers, enter your address into the SNAP Retailer Locator to find the location nearest to you.

Some retailers, such as Aldi, Fresh Grocer, Giant Eagle, ShopRite, Walmart, and Amazon, also accept SNAP for online grocery purchases.

A list of farmers markets within the City that accept SNAP can be found here.

If you have an emergency need for food, you may qualify for “expedited benefits,” which means that you can receive your SNAP/food stamp benefits within five days. You can qualify if your household:

  • has less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 available in cash, or
  • has housing and utility costs for the month that are more than your income, or
  • includes only migrant or seasonal farm workers with less than $100 cash.

Do not hesitate to communicate this need during the application process. This could include adding a comment to your application, telling the person assisting you with your application, or directly talking to your assigned caseworker.

In addition, please utilize Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's Find Food locator to find the nearest food distribution or call them at 1-833-822-SNAP (7627) for further help.

SNAP 101 - April 2023

SNAP Coupons


Additional Food Programs