Community News see more »

A woman stands in line at the grocery store. In her basket is a package of oxtails, some milk, bread, eggs, three packages of frozen corn and a can of chicken soup. She has five children to feed. Fortunately, she also has a Lone Star Card in her purse.

This card is her key to the Food Stamp Program, the first line of defense against hunger for low-income Americans since 1977. Each month millions of families get help from this federal program, which is administered in Texas by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

Food stamps help people with little or no income buy food from local stores. It is available to families who meet the income limits set by the program.

Anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can get food stamp benefits. Household income and other resources have to be under certain limits and are reviewed by state workers. The program allows for certain deductions like housing costs, child support, medical expenses and child-care costs.

In Texas, more than 2.3 million people get food stamps each month. The average household receives $245 in benefits a month.

Once approved for food stamps, the person or family receives a Lone Star Card. This is a plastic card that is used like a credit or debit card at the cash register to pay for purchases. Each month, the family’s approved monthly food stamp amount is placed in the card’s account.

You can learn more about food stamps at the HHSC website, www.hhsc.state.tx.us. Just click on the link that says “How to Get Help.” The website includes basic information about food stamps and a food stamp estimator that you can fill out to see if you or your family can qualify for benefits. The website also includes a list of more than 300 offices across the state where families can apply for food stamps.

The state also has an emergency food stamp program that helps families get benefits quickly in emergency situations.

Food stamps can be used at most grocery stores to buy breads and cereals, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, and other foods. Food stamps cannot be used to purchase alcohol, pet food, household supplies such as paper towels or soap, or hot foods that are eaten in the stores. Food stamps cannot be exchanged for cash.

To learn more about food stamps and how to apply, call 2-1-1 or visit the HHSC website at www.hhsc.state.tx.us.