Using this Site to Support SNAP and Medicaid "Community Engagement" Requirements
Recent changes to SNAP and Medicaid benefits have made it more difficult for participants to maintain eligibility. Volunteer Guilford is working with Guilford County's Department of Social Services (DSS) to help make the process easier for SNAP and/or Medicaid benefit recipients and for nonprofit organizations to track and verify volunteer service hours.
Current Guidance for SNAP and/or Medicaid Recipients
If you are 19-64 years old and enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as Food Stamps) or Medicaid, you will be limited to 3 months of benefits in a 3-year period unless you document at least 80 hours per month of “community engagement.” This can include paid work, a work study program to prepare you for paid work, or volunteer work for a nonprofit organization. There are some exemptions to these requirements: for example, health problems or caregiving duties.
Seeking volunteer work to meet SNAP/Medicaid requirements? Volunteer for organizations found on this page (and elsewhere on this site).
Get Started
- Create a free account by following these instructions.
- Explore service options that work with your schedule and interests.
- Sign up EARLY for service opportunities so nonprofits will be ready for you to volunteer.
- Show up. Nonprofit organizations are counting on YOU to help meet their mission. If you're unable to show up, let the volunteer coordinator know.
- Before you begin serving your volunteer shift, inform the organization that your service hours need to be verified to maintain eligibility for SNAP and/or Medicaid.
Don't wait until the last minute to sign up. Nonprofit organizations need time to process your interest and engagement -- if you wait until the last minute, you may not be able to complete your hours.
Some Opportunities
Below are few organizations that are accustomed to working with volunteers that require documentation of their service hours. There are many other volunteer opportunities on the site that should also help you meet eligibility requirements.
HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the Piedmont Triad community since 1995. HORSEPOWER is a premier PATH International center and provides therapeutic equine activities for over 300 individuals with disabilities each year.
City of Greensboro – Parks and Recreation
Hours can be earned at various parks and recreation locations, which will be determined by the Volunteer Coordinator. Volunteers must complete an online volunteer application and background check before receiving placement.
Triad Goodwill's mission is to improve lives and enrich communities through the power of work. Volunteers are always needed in their 23 retail stores. Opportunities are available Monday-Saturday between 10am and 7pm, and Sundays between 1pm and 6pm. Responsibilities may include: assisting donation attendants with accepting, handling, and sorting donations; hanging and sorting garments; inspecting and merchandising housewares; cleaning and sanitizing carts and baskets.
With 120+ schools as potential service sites, there is a wide variety of options available. For safety of students and in compliance with board policies, volunteers who are 16 years-old (and older) are required to register with GCS and complete a background check.
