1. Food Assistance for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Ty Jones CBPP NAEHCY Annual Conference November 3, 2013

2. What is Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program--SNAP? Food assistance to low-income people – including 22 million children. Largest anti-hunger program. Provides protections for vulnerable groups. Specific rules to ensure access 2

3. Myths To Access Paula 17-year old runaway with no income Various living arrangements with friends Attends schools frequently Mother kicked her out Mother receives SNAP with Paula in household Paula is eligible. Myths Can’t apply because she is under 18 Can’t prove identity with school ID Must have a permanent address Must live with parent or guardian Must apply with family living with temporarily Can’t receive SNAP because parent (in separate household) receives SNAP also. 3

4. What Can You Do? Check your state’s online application to see if youth can apply. Check your state’s policy manual to see if there is policy specific for these youth. Encourage unaccompanied homeless youth to apply. Don’t take “No” for an answer. Keep copies of USDA guidance. Connect with local anti-hunger and legal aid organizations. Reach out to local DSS offices. 4

5. Resources USDA Guidance – http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/pdfs/Policy_Clarifications_ Homeless_Youth_Issues.pdf http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/pdfs/Policy_Clarifications_ Homeless_Youth_Issues.pdf – http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/pdfs/Homeless_QA.pdf http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/pdfs/Homeless_QA.pdf CBPP Online Links Paper – http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=1414 http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=1414 5

6. Contact Information Ty Jones tjones@cbpp.org 202-408-1080 6