Food Stamps

How Are Food Stamps Used?

Each participating household receives an allotment of food benefits based on the USDA’s “Thrifty Food Plan”. This allotment is adjusted annually according to the U. S. Department of Labor’s analysis of the cost of food. Missouri Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is the method by which households receive and use food stamp benefits.

Households may use their Missouri EBT card in any grocery store or retail location anywhere in the United States that has been authorized by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and displays the Quest® sign. The benefits may be used to purchase any food or food products prepared for human consumption except alcoholic beverages and tobacco, hot foods, or foods prepared for immediate consumption. Benefits may also be used to buy seeds and plants for use in gardens to produce food for the personal consumption of the household. Under certain conditions, members of the eligible households who are 60 years of age or older may use the benefits to pay for home delivered meals and other meals prepared for elderly persons.

The EBT cardholder may check account balances and history of EBT transactions, and may view frequently asked cardholder questions on the web site at: www.ebtEdge.com

Do I Qualify For Food Stamp Benefits?

To see if you might qualify for food stamps, a pre-screening tool for the Food Stamp Program is available (published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service).

Anyone may apply for food stamps. To apply, complete the food stamp application form and return it to your local Family Support Division (FSD) office. Instructions for completing this form are also available.

English:	Español:
Form Instructions	Forma Instrucciones

You can return the application in person, by mail or by fax. View address information for FSD county offices or you may fax the application to 573-522-4333.

An interview must be completed to determine your eligibility for food stamp benefits. The interview can be by phone or in-person.

How do I apply for replacement of food stamp benefits used to purchase food which has been destroyed?

If you have lost food purchased with food stamp benefits due to the weather, ice storm, fire, flood, tornado, or other household misfortune outside your control, contact your local county office to complete a request for replacement. Or, you may complete this form and fax to your local office fax number or 573-522-4333.

• Statement of Loss/Replacement Request

Related Publications/Links:

• Missouri Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
  • "Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)" pamphlet (PDF).
  • Español "Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)" pamphlet (PDF)
• "Important Information About Your HEARING Rights" brochure (PDF).
• Español "Important Information About Your HEARING Rights" brochure (PDF).
  
• "Reporting Changes for the Food Stamp Program" brochure (PDF).
  
• "Eat for Health - It's All About You and Your Family, Too" pamphlet (PDF).
• "Food Stamp Work Requirement - Abled Bodied Adults Without Dependents” pamphlet (PDF)
• "Food Stamp Program Changes” (PDF)
• Food Stamp Manual
• Manually Calculating a Food Stamp Budget (PDF)