Oh Snap!

SNAP is a federally funded program designed to address food insecurity among US citizens in low income households.

For students, you must also meet one student exemption such as working 20 hours per week. Other student exemptions can be found in the FAQ for Oh Snap! at the bottom of this page. Unfortunately, this program is not open to international students on a student VISA.

As a result of new federal requirements, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is rolling out several changes to SNAP eligibility requirements.

The required changes listed below will go into effect on October 20, 2025, immediately for new applicants, and households with active benefits will be reviewed at their next recertification, when a household member is added, or when other updates are addressed.

• Expanded Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults: Individuals between ages 18 and 64 (previously 18 to 54) are now subject to the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) work requirements. This means that these SNAP recipients must either work, participate in an employment or training activity, or volunteer in the community at least 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month. There are some exceptions to this requirement that have changed for some individuals.
• Eligibility for Aliens: SNAP eligibility has been limited to those who reside in the United States and are: a citizen; lawfully admitted for permanent residence with no intention of abandoning their residence in a foreign country; Cuban and Haitian entrants; or allowed to live and work in the U.S. under the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). Eligibility has been removed for refugees, those granted asylum, and any others not explicitly listed above.

For more information, please visit Nebraska's news release.

The Maverick Food Pantry is committed to serving students with application assistance for SNAP benefits. Individuals can apply for SNAP benefits at the official DHHS iServe website or seek help from the Oh SNAP! branch of the Maverick Food Pantry. Appointments can be scheduled online or in person with our trained team members.

It is not required to bring any documentation to your appointment, but it is recommended that you have general knowledge about your income and expenses such as rent and utilities.

Please note that utilizing Oh SNAP!'s services does not guarantee approval of SNAP benefits. 

After submitting the initial application and being approved, you may be required to send in proof of items. You will be contacted regarding what is specifically required or you can attach copies of verification with the application. This may include proof of:

• Income
• Expenses
• Resources
• Employment
• Disability

Note: Please do not submit original documents to DHHS as documents provided will not be returned

The Maverick Food Pantry is partnering with the Foodbank for the Heartland to increase awareness, provide comprehensive information, and increase participation rates of SNAP in the incredibly diverse communities of Nebraska. The Foodbank for the Heartland oversees Nebraska's state SNAP Outreach Plan in contract with the Department of Health and Human Services

With this partnership, the Food Bank's SNAP Outreach team has trained the Maverick Food Pantry in assisting people with applications. Additionally, this partnership covers up to 50% of outreach activities and application assistance, allowing us to employ a graduate student worker.

If you are attending school at least half-time, you must meet a student exemption to be eligible. If you are enrolled less than half-time, other factors may apply, as shown below:

• Meet state and federal income guidelines.

• If attending school at least half-time:
  • Work at least 20 hours a week or meet another student exemption
  • Receive less than 50% of your meals through either a mandatory or optional meal plan
  • Care for a child under the age of six
  • Care for a child age 6-11 AND a single parent OR without adequate child care to allow compliance with the student work requirement
  • Have a documented physical or mental disability
  • Included in an ADC or TANF grant unit

How much you receive in SNAP benefits is dependent on several factors, such as household size, income, expense allowances, and shelter calculations, among others.

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Other foods, such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat

• In Store

There are several SNAP-approved retailers located in the Omaha area including Walmart, Bakers, Hy-Vee, and Whole Foods. For a complete list of SNAP retailers in Nebraska, you can use an online locater such as the one provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Omaha Farmers Market: SNAP and Double Up

Furthermore, you can use your EBT card at the Omaha Farmers Market to purchase SNAP tokens and double up your dollars with "Double Up Food Bucks" vouchers! Here's how to do it:

1. Visit the information booth on-site and swipe your EBT card to receive green SNAP tokens.
2. When you get your SNAP tokens, EBT users will also receive FREE FUNDS matched for every dollar up to $20 in Double Up Food Bucks.
3. Shop the Omaha Farmer's Market!

SNAP tokens can be used to purchase meat, baked goods, fruits/vegetables, jams/jellies/salsa/condiments, spices, and snack foods.

Double Up Food Bucks can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs only.

The Omaha Farmer's Market runs from May 5th to October 13th and is located in the Old Market, Saturday's from 8 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and Askarben Village from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M..

Eligibility must be determined within 30 days of application. However, the approval process may go much faster if all required documentation is submitted in a timely manner.

Please note that with the government shutdown, benefits may be delayed.

You will need to recertify your benefits every six months.

Additionally, you will be responsible for notifying the DHHS if the changes noted below occur:

• If total household gross income exceeds 130% FPL (and was not over 130% FPL at certification)
• If a non-exempt ABAWD falls below participation levels
• Receipt if substantial gambling or lottery winnings that exceed $4250