Sometimes people need help to buy food. Food stamps, also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), are designed to help individuals and families afford groceries. If you know someone who’s applying for food stamps and needs support, you can write a letter. A letter of support is a way to tell the government why you believe someone needs help. This essay will show you how to write a good letter that can really help your friend or family member.
Who Can Write a Letter of Support?
Anyone who knows the person applying for food stamps and can provide information about their situation can write a letter of support. This could be a friend, family member, neighbor, teacher, landlord, or even a doctor. Basically, if you know the person well and can speak to their circumstances, your letter can be very helpful.
Gathering Important Information
Before you start writing, it’s super important to collect some key details. This helps the food stamp office understand the situation clearly. You’ll want to know the person’s full name, address, and birthdate. This ensures they know exactly who you’re talking about. Without it, they might confuse your letter with another application.
Next, think about the specific challenges the person is facing. What makes it hard for them to afford food? Maybe they lost a job, have high medical bills, or are taking care of children. The more specific you are, the better. A general statement won’t be as effective as detailed examples.
Consider gathering any supporting documents. If they have copies of bills or doctor’s notes, including them with the letter can strengthen your case. Even if you don’t have the documents yourself, you can mention them in your letter. For example, you can write something like, “I know [Person’s Name] is struggling to pay their medical bills. They are willing to provide copies of the bills if required.”
To keep your thoughts organized, you can jot down some quick notes using a list. For instance:
- Name of the person you’re supporting
- Their address
- Their current financial situation (e.g., unemployed, low income)
- Specific reasons why they need help (e.g., medical bills, caregiving responsibilities)
- Any relevant documents the person has available (bills, etc.)
Writing the Letter: Structure and Content
Now, let’s get to the writing part! Start with a polite greeting, like “Dear [Food Stamp Office Name] or “To Whom It May Concern.” Be sure to include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. This lets the food stamp office contact you if they need to.
In the first paragraph, clearly state that you are writing a letter of support for the applicant. Mention their full name and your relationship to them (friend, neighbor, etc.). For example, “I am writing this letter in support of [Applicant’s Name], who is applying for food stamps. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as a [Relationship].”
The main part of your letter should describe the applicant’s situation. Be honest and specific. Explain the challenges they are facing that make it difficult for them to afford food. Provide examples. This is where the details you gathered come in handy. For example, you could say, “Since [Date], [Applicant’s Name] has been unemployed after being laid off from [Previous Job]. This has made it difficult for them to afford necessities, including food.”
Here’s an example of what you might include about their hardship:
- Unemployment: “The applicant recently lost their job at the local grocery store. Their income has been significantly reduced, making it challenging to cover basic expenses like groceries.”
- Health Issues: “The applicant has a medical condition requiring expensive medication. They have high medical bills to pay.”
- Family Obligations: “The applicant is the sole caregiver for their two young children. This significantly impacts their ability to work full time.”
Adding Supporting Evidence and Closing the Letter
If you have any specific examples or evidence, include them in your letter. This could be anything that helps paint a picture of their situation. If you know that they’ve been actively looking for work, mention that. If you know they are cutting back on other things, like electricity or medications, to buy food, then you can mention this in your letter.
Make sure your tone is positive, even if you’re talking about a hard time. Reassure the food stamp office that the applicant is trying their best and will use the assistance responsibly. Here are some examples of phrases to help show that support:
- “I believe that with the help of food stamps, [Applicant’s Name] will be able to provide adequate food for their family.”
- “I know [Applicant’s Name] is a responsible person who will use food stamps to provide nutritious meals.”
- “I have full confidence in [Applicant’s Name]’s ability to manage the assistance in a responsible manner.”
Conclude your letter with a sincere statement of support. Reiterate your belief in the applicant’s need for assistance. Thank the food stamp office for their time and consideration. Sign your name, and include your contact information again. It can’t hurt to be double-sure they know how to reach you.
You can also include information in a table like this:
| Applicant’s Name | Relationship to You | How Long You’ve Known Them |
|---|---|---|
| Jane Doe | Neighbor | 5 years |
| John Smith | Friend | 10 years |
Final Touches and Sending the Letter
Before you send the letter, read it over carefully. Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors. The food stamp office will take your letter more seriously if it is well-written. It is always helpful if you can get a friend or family member to read over the letter before you send it to you.
Make sure you include the applicant’s full name and any other identifying information. This helps the food stamp office match the letter to the correct application. If you have any supporting documents, like copies of bills or doctor’s notes, attach them to the letter. Make sure all attachments are legible and easy to understand.
Double-check the address of the food stamp office. You can usually find the correct address on their website or by contacting the applicant directly. Write the address clearly on the envelope and consider sending the letter via certified mail, which provides proof that the letter was received. Remember, sending a well-written letter is a great way to show your support for someone. Sending the letter is important because the food stamp office must have the letter to help the applicant. Be sure to include information in your letter such as:
- Applicant’s full name
- Your full name
- Your address
- Date
If you know, you can also include the food stamp office address at the top of the letter as well, such as the official name and street address.
When you have finished the letter, take a deep breath, send it, and know you’ve done a good thing!