Social Services

AVOID THE LINE – APPLY ONLINE! CommonHelp is Coming!!

Did you know that you can now apply for benefits and check the status of your benefits online?  CommonHelp is a new service that allows you to do just that!  Please visit the CommonHelp website for more information and step by step instructions at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/access! 

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - Formerly Food Stamps:

The purpose of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is to alleviate hunger and malnutrition.  The Program will meet its goals by permitting low-income households to obtain a more nutritious diet through normal channels of trade by increasing the food purchasing power for all eligible households who apply for participation.  The U.S. Congress intended to promote the general welfare and to safeguard the health and well-being of the population of the Nation by raising levels of nutrition among low-income households.  The intent is also to help provide food in cases of emergency and financial disaster.

To apply for SNAP, visit your local Department of Social Services or access the CommonHelp website.

For more information, visit the following websites:

http://www.dss.virginia.gov 
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

Fredericksburg Area Food Bank - www.fredfood.org 

Farmer’s Market – Did you know that you can use your SNAP EBT card at the area Farmer’s Markets on Saturdays?  It’s true!  You can also earn market tokens all while getting fresh food for you and your family.  Visit http://www.thefarmersmarket.co/ for more information.