SNAP-Ed helps community members make the healthy choice the easy choice by increasing access to healthy food, nutrition education, and physical activity. This program specifically focuses on Residents receiving SNAP food benefits (formerly known as food stamps). Kittitas County began using the SNAP-Ed program in 2017.
SNAP-Ed works for Washington! In 2018, SNAP-Ed programs statewide reached over 56,000 residents through direct education and policies, systems and environmental changes. In 2021, SNAP-Ed programs reached over 382,974 people, more than six times the number in 2018. For more information, visit Washington 2021 snapshot.
Why is SNAP-Ed needed in Kittitas County?
According to the US Census Bureau, 11.4% of Kittita County households received SNAP benefits in 2020, slightly below the state (12%) and national (12.1%) averages. However, nearly 17% of households in Kittitas County had income below the poverty line in 2020. This number is well above the state (9.8%) and national (12.5%) average for incomes below the poverty line.
KCPHD SNAP-Ed projects
KCPHD implements SNAP-Ed projects with a focus on driving policy, systems and environmental change (PSE). We do this by partnering with key community organizations and providing support, resources and education so they can reach more community members with their services that promote healthy food choices for low-income individuals and families.
Apply for SNAP Food Assistance
Basic Food is Washington State’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Basic Food helps low-income people make ends meet by providing monthly groceries-buying grants. Benefits depend on family size and income. Staple benefits can be used at all local grocery stores, farmers markets and participating grocery and quickie marts.
Apply for SNAP Food benefits by doing one of the following:
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- 2-1-1 free call
- Through the Department of Social Services and Health Care (DSHS) in person at 1100 W University Way in Ellensburg, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
- Or online through Washington connection.
SNAP Market Match
SNAP Market Match is available to all SNAP/EBT benefit shoppers, helping them buy more fruit and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets, up to $40 or more per day. The Ellensburg farmer’s market in Kittitas County is participating in the Market Match! SNAP/EBT buyers can use Market Match to purchase fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, mushrooms, fresh herbs, and food-producing seeds and plants.
How to use SNAP Market Match
Food Access Coalition for Kittitas County
The Food Access Coalition’s mission is to engage local programs and agencies to improve access to healthy food in Kittitas County. Members from across the community come together to build partnerships and coordinate efforts to ensure all residents of Kittitas County have access to food and nutritional resources.
The coalition is currently inactive. Contact KCPHD for more information or visit the Food Access Coalition website.
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