Sometimes, people need help getting food on the table. Food stamps, officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can provide that help. If you know someone who’s applying for food stamps and you want to help them out, you might be asked to write a letter of support. This letter is a way of showing that you know the person and can vouch for their situation. Writing a good letter can really make a difference. Let’s break down how to do it!
What’s the Main Purpose of a Letter of Support?
The main purpose of a letter of support is to provide evidence to the food stamp office. They want to know the truth about a person’s circumstances. So, the letter is like a mini-report about the person you’re supporting. This gives them a fuller picture to make a decision. **Essentially, a letter of support for food stamps provides additional information and helps the person applying explain their situation.**
Who Are You and How Do You Know the Applicant?
The first thing you need to do is introduce yourself. The food stamp office needs to know who you are and how you know the person applying. Start by stating your full name, address, and phone number at the top of the letter. This helps the office contact you if they have any questions.
Next, you need to explain your relationship with the applicant. Are you a friend, a family member, a neighbor? How long have you known them? Give a brief but clear explanation. For example, you could say, “I’ve known Sarah Miller for five years as a neighbor and friend.” The clearer you are, the better.
Consider these examples for explaining your relationship:
- “I’ve been friends with Michael for ten years, ever since we met at the community center.”
- “I am John’s sister, and I’ve known him my entire life.”
- “I am a caseworker, and I work with Ms. Davis.”
This sets the stage and gives context to everything else you write in the letter. Without this, the rest of your letter might not be as helpful.
What to Include About the Applicant’s Situation
The heart of the letter is the information you provide about the applicant’s situation. This is where you explain why they need food stamps. This isn’t about writing a story, it’s about being factual and helpful. Think about what makes up a person’s life right now.
You might talk about their living situation, their employment status, or anything else that impacts their ability to buy food. For instance, if they’ve lost their job recently, you should say so, and include the date they lost their job. The more information you provide that’s relevant to their need for food assistance, the more helpful your letter will be.
Here’s an example of relevant information for their situation. Focus on things that have impacted their ability to get food:
- Their job was eliminated on June 1st.
- They have two children to support.
- They are actively looking for new employment.
- They are currently living in a rented apartment.
Be honest and accurate. Don’t exaggerate or guess at things you don’t know. Stick to the facts that you can verify or that you know personally.
Providing Specific Examples and Observations
Instead of just saying things in general terms, try to give specific examples. This makes your letter more believable and helpful. Specifics help paint a picture. General statements can leave the reader wondering. Examples can make your letter much stronger, and can help the food stamp office understand the applicant’s needs.
For example, instead of saying, “They are struggling financially,” you could say, “I’ve observed that they’ve been having to make difficult choices, like choosing between buying groceries and paying the electricity bill.” Or, instead of saying “They try to get work,” you can say “They have applied for a new job at the local store, they told me on October 26th.”
Here is a small table showing examples of vague statements and how to make them specific:
| Vague Statement | Specific Example |
|---|---|
| They have little income. | They lost their job on July 10th and are now living off savings. |
| They can’t afford food. | I have seen them regularly using the local food bank. |
The more concrete examples you can offer, the better the food stamp office will understand the applicant’s situation.
Concluding and Signing the Letter
Finally, you’ll need to wrap up your letter. Briefly summarize your key points, then state that you believe the applicant is in need of food assistance and that you support their application. It is also important to make sure the letter is signed and dated, in addition to having contact information at the top.
You might want to add a sentence like, “I sincerely hope that [Applicant’s Name]’s application for food stamps is approved, as they are genuinely in need of assistance.” Then, sign your name below. Don’t forget the date!
When you sign the letter, you are vouching for the information you’ve provided. The signature gives the letter its weight and importance. Be sure to also print your name clearly under your signature so it is easy to read. This is the final piece of making your letter strong and complete.
Writing a letter of support for food stamps can feel like a big deal, but following these steps can make the process easier. Remember to be honest, specific, and supportive. Your letter can make a real difference in someone’s life.