SNAP and STEP
Do you qualify for SNAP benefits?
SNAP
SNAP is a government program that provides food benefits to qualifying individuals and families so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
Did you know that nearly 50% of college students struggle with food and basic needs insecurities? SNAP is a resource that can help! Students 18-49 who attend higher education at least half-time may be eligible for SNAP by meeting income guidelines and additional criteria. By accessing these important benefits to support yourself or your family, you are not taking away resources from another student or family. The programs are designed to respond to meet the needs of all who qualify – anyone who is eligible will receive benefits.
If you meet the age, income and residency guidelines, you can qualify when you’re enrolled in a college training or undergraduate program that leads to employment. (During an interview with a DHS worker, you will need to explain what job you intend to get when you complete your education pathway.) As a college student, you no longer need to meet the work requirements to qualify for and maintain SNAP benefits.
Know your SNAP benefits
Unlock more with SNAP:
Double Up Food Bucks
The Double Up Food Bucks program will match up to $20 of your SNAP benefits to purchase produce at your grocery stores, farmer’s markets, and farm stands.
Free cell phone
By participating in SNAP, you may be eligible for Lifeline, a federal benefit program that can cover up to $9.25/month off phone, internet, or bundled services. Find out if you are eligible.
Energy assistance programs
By participating in SNAP, you may be eligible for energy assistance programs that help pay your utility bills.
$0 BIKETOWN memberships
Through the BIKETOWN for All program, BIKETOWN and PBOT offer $0 bike rental memberships to those receiving SNAP benefits. You can sign up online or you can also sign up in person at Adaptive BIKETOWN—and pick up a free helmet while you’re at it.
Pet food and veterinary care
The Pongo Fund provides quality pet food and veterinary care for family pets. You do not need to be receiving food stamps to receive help from The Pongo Fund, but if you are, please bring your food stamp card or your current letter of state documentation.
Ordering food online
You can now use SNAP benefits to order food online through Amazon and Walmart for home delivery across Oregon. Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Whole Foods also accept online SNAP payments.
Affordable high-speed internet
Internet Essentials program from Comcast brings affordable, high-speed internet to your home if you receive SNAP benefits.
Reduced Tri-Met fare
By participating in SNAP, you qualify for an Honored Citizen Hop card with reduced fare.
Discounted admission
The Oregon Zoo offers discounted admission for qualifying Oregon & Washington residents through income assistance programs. Enjoy $5 tickets for family entertainment with Arts for All and free or reduced museum admission nationwide with Museums for All for SNAP beneficiaries.
45+ SNAP discounts in Oregon
Need help applying for SNAP?
PCC Peer Resource Navigators can assist students with applying for SNAP benefits. Check out our Basic Needs Hubs for more information. If you would like to talk to someone about your situation, please schedule an appointment. We can help you connect to resources. Contact basicneeds@pcc.edu or call 971-722-7511.
Concerned about how SNAP could impact your immigration status? Know your rights and the facts! See Protecting Immigrant Families or call the Oregon Law Center-Legal Aid Services of Oregon Public Benefits Hotline at 1-800-520-5292 for answers to your questions about public benefits and public charge.
STEP
The SNAP Training and Education Program (STEP) at PCC offers comprehensive support to students receiving SNAP benefits, excluding those on TANF. Through the PCC Career Pathways & STEP program, students can access a variety of services designed to aid their educational and career success.
Services available include:
- Enhanced educational and career coaching
- Financial assistance for hygiene products*
- Transportation support, including HOP cards and PCC parking passes*
- Books and supplies*
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools*
- Limited tuition assistance, depending on eligibility*
*Availability of these services is contingent on funding.
Utilizing these resources can significantly enhance your chances of completing your education and embarking on a career that fosters economic mobility for you, your family, and your community.
The PCC Career Pathways & STEP team is here to support students across all PCC locations. For general inquiries, please email cp@pcc.edu or call 971-722-6218. Learn more about the program.
Looking for additional resources?
At PCC, we have services to help you thrive as a student. Get help with your schoolwork, childcare, groceries, or any other challenge life throws at you, and get involved with the campus community.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online (USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form), from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:
- mail:
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or - fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or - email:
FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.