FoodShare: A Recipe for Good Health
Extra FoodShare Benefits Ending February 2023
FoodShare members have been getting extra benefits each month because of a federal program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those extra benefits have been provided separately from members’ regular monthly benefits. The federal government is ending that program. Starting March 1, 2023, members will only get their regular FoodShare benefits.
Learn more about how your FoodShare benefits will change on the FoodShare News and Updates webpage.
COVID-19 Updates
We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our members during the COVID-19 pandemic. To stay informed about the latest program updates, limitations to in-person contacts, general COVID-19 resources, and more, please go to the COVID-19: ForwardHealth Program Updates for You and Your Family webpage.
You’ve probably heard of food stamps or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). In Wisconsin, we call the program FoodShare. The goal of this program is to stop hunger.
You can use your FoodShare benefits at most stores. You also can use them at many farmers markets, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables most months out of the year.
People all over Wisconsin get help from FoodShare. We help people of all ages who:
- Have low-income jobs.
- Live on a small or fixed income.
- Are retired.
- Have lost their jobs.
- Are disabled and can’t work.
Can you get FoodShare?
If you have limited money to buy food, FoodShare can help. Find out if your income qualifies you for FoodShare benefits.
How to manage your benefits online
Only use the ACCESS website to apply for and manage your benefits. You also can use MyACCESS mobile app to get information about your benefits. If you get FoodShare benefits, you can use the ebtEDGE mobile app to access your account.
Be aware of scams
Never give details about yourself or your finances to people you don’t know. Scammers might contact you over the phone. If you aren’t sure who you’re talking to, hang up. They might send you text messages or emails. They might even knock on your door. If you don’t know them, don’t respond or follow any web links. Call your agency or ForwardHealth Member Services at 800-362-3002 if you think someone is trying to scam you.
The Federal Trade Commission is the nation’s consumer protection agency. They know scam artists want to steal your identity. Scammers want to use your credit cards and checking account. They might open a new credit card, checking, or savings account, write bad checks, or take out loans in your name.
You can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, or call 877-FTC-HELP. If you think your identity has been stolen, report it on the Federal Trade Commission website, or call 877-ID-THEFT.
How to Protect Yourself from FoodShare Fraud
FoodShare benefits continue to be a target for fraud. FoodShare fraud can result in you losing the monies in your account, which prevents you from being able to buy food until those monies are replenished. Therefore, it is important that you take steps to protect your identify and your benefits.
DHS recommends you do the following to protect your benefits:
- Check the accuracy of account information by calling the agency that issues your FoodShare benefits.
- Monitor account balances using the MyACCESS mobile app or ebtEdge website or mobile app.
- Add or change optional account passwords to limit unauthorized access.
- Change Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) often by calling QUEST Card Service at 877-415-5164.
- Do not share account passwords and PINs with anyone who is not part of your household.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately to QUEST Card Service at 877-415-5164.
The misuse of public funds affects each person who lives in Wisconsin. All individuals are encouraged to report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at 877-865-3432 or online.
The OIG's mission is to protect Wisconsin taxpayers by tracking and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in public assistance programs administered by DHS. Learn more about the OIG.
Related topics
Public charge rule
A noncitizen’s immigration status will not be affected by receiving health care, food, housing, and many other government benefits. The only government benefits that could affect immigration status are cash assistance (SSI and W-2) and institutional long-term care paid for by Medicaid. Public benefits received by children and pregnant women will not impact their parents’ or spouse’s immigration status. If you need help affording food or paying for medical care, applying for or getting FoodShare or BadgerCare Plus will not have any impact on your immigration status. This information provided is in accordance with 8 C.F.R. 103, 212, 213, and 245.
A “public charge” is someone who the government believes is likely to become dependent on the government for basic needs. Public charge is part of immigration policy that can impact some noncitizens’ ability to gain entry to the United States or get a green card.
Equal opportunity information
Find the USDA nondiscrimination statement (PDF) (Page 2). You can get the nondiscrimination statement in languages other than English at the bottom of this web page.
Find more nondiscrimination information for other programs.
Feeding your child during the baby formula recall and shortage
There is a national shortage of baby formula. This is because Abbott issued a recall of their powder formulas. Since the recall happened, other companies that make and distribute baby formula have not been able to keep up with demand.