This month SHARE is partnering with Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin to educate area residents about FoodShare Wisconsin, our state’s name for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Together, FoodShare and SHARE pack a double punch to stretch the food budgets of families struggling in this tough economy.

Anyone can purchase supermarket-quality food at savings of 30-50% through SHARE’s volunteer-run food buying club—there are no eligibility requirements or membership fees. Every month SHARE offers a selection of frozen meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned and dry goods, organic produce, convenience items and more. Orders are placed at the beginning of the month and picked up toward the end of the month at one of the organization’s nearly 200 locations. SHARE accepts all forms of payment, including FoodShare Wisconsin benefits.

FoodShare Wisconsin is a nutrition assistance program that helps people with limited incomes buy food with a debit-like card. It is available to single people, families, students, seniors and disabled individuals with limited or fixed incomes. Potentially eligible participants should know FoodShare is an entitlement, or right—not welfare. Families aren’t taking away from anyone else when they get FoodShare. Most participants are employed. Families may be able to get benefits if they receive unemployment, Social Security, SSI or other payments – and even if they have a car and own their own home. All FoodShare applicants who meet all program rules will get benefits.

Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin’s FoodShare Outreach Program ensures potentially eligible participants know how to obtain FoodShare benefits and assists them through the entire application process. On Saturday, April 24, Second Harvest Foodbank will offer free FoodShare eligibility screenings at these SHARE food pick-ups: 7-8 a.m. in Reedsburg at the Reedsburg Recreation Center, 134 S. Locust St.; 9:15-10:15 a.m. in Stoughton at United Methodist Church, 525 Lincoln Ave.; 10-11 a.m. in Monona at St. Stephens Church, 5700 Pheasant Hill Rd.; 11-11:30 a.m. in Madison at Mount Olive Church, 110 N. Whitney Way; 11 a.m.-noon in Janesville at the Union Labor Temple, 1605 Center Ave; and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Viroqua at the National Armory, 600 Dyson St.

SHARE is now accepting orders for pick-up in May. To pay with FoodShare, call SHARE’s main office toll-free at 1-800-548-2124 by Tuesday, May 4. Orders can also be placed online with credit and debit cards at www.sharewi.org through Sunday, May 9.

People living in southwestern or northwestern Wisconsin can call the Second Harvest FoodShare Helpline toll-free at 1-877-366-3635 for more information. In other parts of the state, call 1-800-362-3002 or visit http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/.