(Posted 2026 September)
Hunger is more widespread in Fairfax County than you might suspect. It’s estimated that over 118,000 people in the county struggle to consistently buy enough food to feed themselves and their families1. Not being able to provide proper nutrition, sufficient calories, or enough meals a day has widespread effects on health and quality of life.
September is Hunger Action Month and the Department of Family Services is spotlighting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP provides money to buy food to ensure adults and families have nutritious meals to stay healthy. Currently, about 48,000 people in Fairfax County participate in SNAP.
Sometimes people question why families would need SNAP when there are food pantries across the county. While food pantries are important resources, it can be difficult for adults and families to meet all their nutrition needs through food banks and other distribution sites. SNAP customers can choose convenient locations, including culturally specific stores, and plan their grocery budget with a consistent amount of monthly SNAP benefits.
Participating in SNAP can help connect families to other assistance that supports their journey to self-sufficiency. Children receiving SNAP benefits are automatically enrolled in the free and reduced-price meals program at their school, making sure they have a nutritious meal for their learning and growth. SNAP also opens the door to additional employment and training assistance through the SNAPET program. SNAP recipients who are looking for employment can receive career coaching, workforce development opportunities, and job search support.
Getting the Most Out of Your SNAP Benefits
You can get the most out of your SNAP benefits right from the start, by providing proof of income and expenses during your application or renewal process. If you don’t share this proof, we can’t count those expenses, which could reduce the benefits you qualify for.
The SNAP EBT card can be used like a debit card at many grocery retailers in-store or online for delivery (although SNAP does not pay delivery fees). SNAP dollars can also be used at five farmers markets in Fairfax County with the added benefit of matching up to $40 of additional fruits and vegetables for free! Farmers markets are open through October or November, depending on the location.
SNAP participants can also get 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail trips with Metro Lift. Learn more and enroll for free online or in person at select Metro locations.
Protect Your SNAP Benefits
Like any debit card, scammers target EBT cards to steal SNAP funds. This fall, magnetic stripe EBT cards are being replaced with chip-enabled cards that support both tap and chip-insert transactions. This is a major step toward protecting customer benefits and reducing fraud.
Follow more simple tips to keep your EBT card secure and protect your money.
- Keep your PIN secret and change it frequently.
- Check your EBT account regularly and know your balance, so you can quickly identify unusual activity.
- Use the ConnectEBT app to lock and unlock your card. Keeping your card locked until you need to make a purchase can help keep it safer.
We know there are more individuals and families who could benefit from SNAP, but we need your help reaching them. Use our community engagement toolkit to spread the word with social media messages, engaging graphics, and more!
If you think you may be eligible for SNAP, you can check online at CommonHelp or by contacting Public Assistance and Employment Services in the Department of Family Services at DFSMyCase@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-7500, TTY 711.
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