April 16, 2026
Laramie Interfaith helps Albany County residents understand and apply for SNAP food assistance. We also offer local pantry and TEFAP resources for anyone needing extra food support.
At Laramie Interfaith, we know that food insecurity does not look one certain way. It shows up in a college student skipping meals to make rent, in a family whose hours got cut at work, in a senior choosing between groceries and medication. That is why we believe everyone in our community deserves to know what food assistance resources are available to them and how to access them without shame or confusion.
One of the most powerful tools available to low-income households across the United States is SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. You may know it by its older name: food stamps. Whatever you call it, SNAP exists to make sure that people have enough to eat, and understanding how SNAP works is the first step to getting the help you deserve.
This guide will walk you through what SNAP is, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect once you do. We have also included a section specific to Albany County and the greater Laramie area, because we know that navigating these systems looks a little different here at home.
SNAP is a federal nutrition program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and run at the state level. It provides monthly benefits, delivered through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, that eligible households can use to purchase food at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and many farmers markets across the country.
The program was designed with a straightforward goal to supplement the food budgets of households who need a little extra support. For most families, SNAP benefits cover a portion of their monthly food costs rather than all of them. The idea is that SNAP fills the gap, not the entire grocery cart.
SNAP benefits can be used to buy:
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Bread and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food
SNAP benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins or supplements, hot prepared foods, or non-food household items.
SNAP eligibility is based primarily on household income and size. The federal government sets the general rules, but states have some flexibility in how they implement them. Here is a plain-language overview of how eligibility works.
Most households must meet two income tests: a gross income test and a net income test. Gross income is your total household income before any deductions. Net income is what remains after certain allowable deductions are subtracted.
For the current benefit year (October 2025 through September 2026):
Standard SNAP rules require that countable household assets not exceed $2,250, or $3,250 for households with a member who is elderly or disabled. However, many households are categorically eligible for SNAP through other assistance programs and are not subject to the standard resource test. Your home, most retirement savings, and certain other assets do not count.
Able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 18 and 54 may be required to work or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed in July 2025, expanded these work requirements. There are exceptions for people with disabilities, those who are pregnant, caregivers, and others. If you are unsure whether a work requirement applies to your situation, speak with a caseworker.
Applying for SNAP is a multi-step process, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Here is what you can generally expect.
Before you apply, it helps to have the following on hand:
In Wyoming, you can apply for SNAP through the Department of Family Services (DFS). Applications can be submitted online at mybenefits.wyo.gov, in person at your local DFS office, by mail, or by fax. Applications are also available as a PDF download from the DFS website. Our staff at Laramie Interfaith are also available to help you fill out your application.
After submitting your application, a benefit specialist will contact you to schedule an interview. This interview can be completed by phone or in person.
Wait for a Decision
DFS aims to process most applications within 30 days. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited SNAP benefits within seven days. If you are approved, your benefits are backdated to the date you submitted your application. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal that decision within 90 days.
Once approved, you will receive an EBT card in the mail within a week to a month. You will set a PIN, and your benefits will be loaded each month automatically. You can check your balance at the store, by calling the number on the back of your card, or through your state's online portal.
Your EBT card works like a debit card at the checkout. The SNAP portion can only be used for eligible food items. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately so you can receive a replacement.
Food Insecurity in Albany County
Here in Albany County, food insecurity is not a distant problem. It is something our neighbors, friends, and family members face every day. Albany County has the highest food insecurity rate in Wyoming, with more than 6,000 people in our community lacking consistent access to nutritious food.
SNAP and our pantry work together, not against each other. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a separate federal program that provides free food to low-income households, and Laramie Interfaith hosts TEFAP distributions each month here in Laramie. Income is self-reported, and households that qualify typically have gross income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
Our Pantry Is Here No Matter What
Whether you are waiting on a SNAP decision, in between benefit periods, or simply need a little extra help, our food pantry at 712 Canby St. is open to anyone in Albany County. No ID required. No proof of income. Just help when you need it.
Our main pantry carries non-perishable food and basic hygiene items, and community members can visit once per week. Throughout the week, we also have perishable items like bread, produce, and pastries available. All visitors complete a brief intake form through our Plentiful software, which helps us track our impact and apply for food funding. Your information is kept private.
Plentiful is a free mobile application that Laramie Interfaith uses, designed specifically for food pantries and their clients. Before visiting our pantry, make sure to create an account. Checking in at the pantry is simple: open the app, display your QR code, and our staff will scan it. Your check-in is complete in seconds. The app eliminates the need to fill out paper forms at each visit, saving time and protecting your personal information through secure digital storage.
Laramie Interfaith case managers can help connect you with SNAP resources and guide you through the process. To make an appointment, stop by during our walk-in hours or call us at (307) 742-4240. Due to call volume, please leave a voicemail, and we will return your call as soon as possible.
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