1. Using Food Stamps in Idaho Updated April 2016
MODULE 4
Using Food Stamps in Idaho Updated April 2016

2. Using Food Stamps: Overview
Participants can use their benefits on Quest cards; they can manage their Quest card accounts online
Food stamps are only used for eligible food purchases
Quest cards are accepted at a variety of locations in the state
This section will go over how someone can use their food stamps in practice. We will discuss how participants can use and manage their Quest cards, which foods are eligible purchases for food stamp benefits, and where Quest cards are accepted. An important takeaway from this module is that participants can only purchase eligible food items with the food stamps on their Quest card. Because other benefits are also received on this card, there are many myths and stereotypes about food stamp recipients using this program for other purposes. However, it is important to debunk these myths, as food stamps can only be used for eligible food and seeds with which to grow food.

3. How to Apply
Idaho residents can apply for the Food Stamp Program in person, or by mail or fax.
Those who are found to be eligible will receive their benefits in a timely manner (often within a few days)
Participants must partake in re-evaluation periodically in order to continue receiving food stamps
As we discussed in the third module, Idahoans can apply for the Food Stamp Program in person or by mail or fax. Those who are found to be eligible for the program will receive their benefits within 30 days, and in Idaho, applications are frequently processed much more quickly, with many participants receiving their food stamps just a few days after their application is processed. Food stamp recipients must periodically partake in re-evaluation. It is important for recipients to pay close attention to this process, as they can be dropped from the food stamp program if they do not partake.

4. Quest Card
Food Stamp benefits are deposited on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, called Quest cards in Idaho
EBT cards are used like debit cards at most grocery stores
Benefits are deposited on the first of the month; an unused balance from the previous month will roll over to the next month
Food stamp benefits are distributed on electronic benefit transfer cards called Quest cards. Benefits are deposited on the Quest card on the first day of each month as long as the participant is eligible. An unused balance from the previous month will roll over to the next month, but if a card is not used for an entire year, the benefits will be removed from the card. If the family reapplies in the future, though the existing card is reactivated.
Quest cards work like debit cards; customers who are paying with Quest cards swipe their card and enter their pin number to pay at the check-out counter.
Unfortunately, misperceptions about the use of Quest cards often lead to negative judgment and stigma. Some people suppose that recipients of food stamps use these benefits for items other than food, But as mentioned previously, Quest cards do not only carry food stamp benefits; they can also hold benefits from TAFI, which is Idaho’s cash assistance program, and from the Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled program. Because the cards can be used for these programs as well, customers can purchase other non-food items with their Quest card if they are also receiving benefits from the latter two programs. However, when paying with the food stamps on their Quest card, customers may only purchase eligible food items.
So if someone is purchasing toilet paper or vitamins or a magazine at check-out using their Quest card, this does not mean that they are using their food stamps for that purchase. 

5. Accessing Accounts Online
Online Services:
- Check Balance
-Review Transaction History
- Change Pin
Request a new card by calling the Quest card customer service line at
Replacement cards are not given out at Health and Welfare Offices
NEW!
Participants in the Idaho Food Stamp Program can check their balance, review their transaction history, change their PIN number, and contact customer service through a link accessible on the Health and Welfare website. Those who do not have access to a computer can reach the Quest card customer service line at Participants who lose or damage their Quest cards can request a new card by calling the same customer service. Replacement cards are not given out at Health and Welfare offices.
(Note for trainer, not to be included in voice over: Demonstrate to the audience how to access both websites that can be used to check benefit levels: and

6. Eligible and Ineligible Purchases
Food
Plants and seeds to grow food for the household
Any non-food item, such as pet foods and household supplies
Alcohol and tobacco
Vitamins and medicines
Hot foods and foods to be eaten in the store
Food stamps can only be used to pay for certain items. Most food items, as well as seeds and starters that can be used to grow food for the household, are eligible food stamp purchases. Food stamps cannot be used to purchase any non-food items, including pet food and household supplies. Food stamps also cannot be used to buy alcohol or tobacco, vitamins and medicines, hot foods or foods to be eaten in the store.
[After this slide – insert Grow Your Food Stamps video]

7. Where to Use Food Stamps
Most grocery stores and corner stores accept food stamps, as do some farmers markets, fruit and vegetable stands, and Community Supported Agriculture programs (or CSAs). Often, these stores will have a sign on the door saying something like, “We Accept EBT.” A helpful resource for locating a participating store is a tool on a USDA website called the SNAP Retailer Locator. The Locator allows users to enter a particular address and find a list of stores nearby that accept food stamps, along with a map showing their precise locations.
Most grocery stores accept food stamps.
The USDA website is a helpful resource for finding a participating retailer near you!

8. Where to Use Food Stamps: Farmers Markets
Some farmers markets accept Food Stamps. Usually the markets swipe a shopper’s EBT card and give tokens to be used at market booths.
As in many states, a growing number of farmers markets in Idaho are beginning to accept food stamps. Usually, the markets will have a booth set up where a market employee will swipe the shopper’s Quest card and give the shopper tokens in exchange. The shopper can then use these tokens to purchase items from individual farmers throughout the market. For a list of farmers markets in Idaho that accept food stamps, you can access the Farmers Market Guide available under the Farmers Market section of the Idaho Department of Agriculture website.

9. References
Idaho Administrative Procedures Act (IDAPA) – Rules Governing the Food Stamp Program in Idaho, § 11(03)
Idaho Department of Agriculture, 2011 Idaho Farmers Markets,
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Website, Using Your EBT Card, .aspx
Idaho DHW Website, Food Assistance for Idaho Families,
Idaho Farmers Market Guide (2013).
JP Morgan Chase, Welcome to EBT Account,
USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP Retailer Locator,
SNAPGardens.org, Grow Your Food Stamps!,