The purpose of the Food Share Program is to end hunger and improve nutrition and health. It helps low-income households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet.

In order to be eligible for Food Share, the person applying, called the "applicant" must provide information on the household's circumstances.

Spending Your Food Share

You spend food share with a debit card called the Wisconsin QUEST Card at most stores that sell food. This card replaces the food share coupons recipients used to receive. The Wisconsin QUEST card will allow food share clients to access their benefits through point-of-sale (POS) terminals at currently participating food stores. These Transactions will look like any other debit card transaction and will be free to the client.

Food share can only be used for food and for plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat. Sales tax cannot be charged on items bought with food share.

Food share cannot be use to buy:

• Any nonfood item, such as pet foods; soaps, paper products, and household supplies; grooming items, toothpaste, and cosmetics
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
• Vitamins and medicines
• Any food that will be eaten in the store
• Food that is hot at the point of sale

A person must apply for Food Share with a person-to-person interview. If you think you may be eligible, contact the ES Division at 608-742-9227 now for an appointment.

To use an on-line pre-screening tool to see if you are eligible for Food Share, go to:
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/fpl.htm

For more information on Food Share, see the State of Wisconsin information site: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/fseligibility.htm

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.