*SNAP Recipients: Starting in January 2023, DSS will be texting renewal reminders to recipients who need to submit their renewal forms. Texts will come from the DSS Benefits Center phone number (855-626-6632). Texts will be strictly informational. They will NOT ask for identifying or personal information. Click here for more information.

*Don’t miss important news about your benefits: Update your contact info online now! Visit Update Us (ct.gov)

*24/7 access to DSS: Already a DSS client? Use the MyDSS mobile-friendly app: www.ct.gov/mydss. Apply & renew services at www.connect.ct.gov, plus get benefit status, notices, report changes, upload/send documents & more!

Nutrition Assistance Programs

Overview

Nutrition Assistance programs provide food and cash equivalents to various populations DSS serves. Their goal is to promote adequate nutrition among the target populations.
 
Connecticut Nutrition Assistance Program (CTNAP)
 
The Department of Social Services contracts with the Connecticut Food Bank, Inc. for this program. Connecticut Food Bank, Inc. purchases high protein foods and other nutritionally beneficial supplemental foods in bulk to be distributed by eligible food pantries, emergency shelters and soup kitchens to needy households. Approximately 300 food banks, pantries, shelters, etc. participate in the CTNAP program.
 
SFY 2020 Allocation $660,772.50

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
 
DSS contracts with Connecticut Food Bank, Inc. and Foodshare, Inc. to distribute United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodities to eligible food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens that serve meals and provide food to households. These commodities include items such as canned vegetables, fruits, meat, cereals, etc.  The amount of funding received by each state depends on its low-income and unemployed population. For more information on the USDA TEFAP program please follow this link: 
http://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program-tefap Opens in a new window
 
A listing of food pantries and emergency food assistance locations in your area can also be obtained by calling Infoline from any area in the state – just dial  211 or visit: the Infoline website http://www.infoline.org/ Opens in a new window
 
FFY 2022 Food Value Allocation:           $3,149,010.00     
FFY 2022 Administrative Allocation:       $905,675.00

 

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

USDA Aviso de No Discriminación - Please use IE, Chrome or Firefox browser to open this link.