FOOD HELP
SNAP or Food Stamps are available to low-income Georgians who need assistance with food.
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The amount of SNAP benefits you can receive is based on your income; the more you earn the less your SNAP benefit is. Learn more about SNAP benefit calculations here.
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The current maximum SNAP amount for a single person with no income is about $200 per month. Families (people who are legally married and/or have children under the age of 18 and prepare meals together) will usually qualify for more in SNAP.
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The best place to apply for SNAP is online at: gateway.ga.gov. Be prepared to upload supporting documentation including your picture ID, bills for living expenses, income information and proof of residence. The more you upload, the easier it is to be approved.
You can also download a paper application here or apply in-person at the Newton County DFCS office at 4117 Mill St NE, Covington, GA 30014.
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You can also access computers for SNAP applications at the Newton County Public Library System or on certain outreach days at Covington First United Methodist Food Pantry
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If you need help completing your application, you can contact the Georgia SNAP Connection Program by phone 678-631-7101 or by email snap@wholesomewavegeorgia.org for free assistance for SNAP (Food Stamps) and other benefit applications including: Medicaid, Childcare & Parent Services (CAPS), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), & Women, Infants & Children (WIC). You will need to leave a message and you will receive a call back from an advocate in 2-3 business days.
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After you apply for SNAP, be prepared for a telephone interview with a representative from DFCS. It is important to not miss the interview. However, the more information you are able to upload in the computer, the shorter your interview will be!
The chart shows the income limit for SNAP based on household size.
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If you are close to the limit, still apply, because SNAP also considers your household expenses like rent and utilities, child support, child care, and more.
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People who receive disability income from Social Security or SSI and seniors over age 60 can use their medical expenses to qualify for more SNAP benefits.
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You can get an application at seniorsnap@dhr.state.ga.us or call (404) 370-6236 to have an application mailed to you.
Learn more about Senior SNAP here.
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Food Stamps/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Food Pantries
In addition to SNAP benefits, food pantries are also a great way to access extra food.
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There are over 15 food pantries operating in Newton County. Most are free, some have a $10 charge. Some allow you to come weekly, some monthly, some every 3 months.
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You will receive a variety of items at each food pantry and sometimes it is hard to put a meal together from what you receive. We recommend trying to go to a different food pantry every week in order to build up your home pantry. After 4-6 weeks, you will have enough food to start planning good meals.
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We recommend using the food pantries for your staple items like canned vegetables, soups and pasta, then using your SNAP/Food Stamps to purchase things like meat and eggs, dairy products and fresh fruit and veggies.
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Here is a list of the current Food Pantries operating in the county: Pantry List
Hot Meals
Repairers Of The Breach Thrift Center offers a free evening meal for those in need on weekdays (770) 787-7250
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Rainbow/Garden of Gethsemane Shelter Covington offers a free evening meal for those in need (770) 787-8519
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Adult Nutritional Formula
If you require tube feeding, but cannot afford formula, here are a few options for help:
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The Oley Foundation has a free exchange program connects people in need of formula to people donating formula. You will have to meet the donator in person to pick-up or pay for shipping.
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Abbott Nutrition has a patient assistance program that will provide formula to adults without insurance who are unable to eat anything by mouth and rely 100% on tube feeding for their nutrition. The program is free if you qualify.
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FODAC (770) 491-9014 and Willing Helpers Free Clinic 678-625-8317 occasionally have donated formula available. Call and ask what they have in stock. Repairers of the Breach (770) 787-7250 sometimes has formula. Drop in to see what they have available.
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