Sometimes, people need a little help to get by, and that’s where programs like food stamps (officially called SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) come in. If you know someone who’s applying for food stamps and needs some extra support, you might be asked to write a letter explaining their situation. This letter can really help the person applying, and it’s important to write it carefully and honestly. This guide will help you understand how to write a great letter of support.
What Exactly Should I Include in the Letter?
A letter of support for food stamps should include information that can help the person applying by showing the need for benefits. This can mean including how long you’ve known the person, details about their living situation, and any challenges they face, like job loss or health issues. Always be truthful in the letter. The goal is to provide helpful information to the people reviewing the application.
Knowing the Applicant and Your Relationship
Before you even start writing, think about your relationship with the person applying. Are you a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone else? Knowing this will help you frame your letter appropriately. The more detail you can provide about your relationship and how long you’ve known them, the better.
For example, you could say: “I’ve been friends with Sarah for five years,” or “I’ve known John since we were kids.” This context helps the reader understand your perspective. A strong, supporting relationship helps the authorities understand the person’s needs even better. Your experience matters, and the more detail you provide, the more it makes sense.
Think about how the person lives their daily life. How do you interact with them? Do you see any difficulties? This is your chance to provide important context to the letter. It’s not necessarily about judging; it’s about helping!
Think of it like this:
- Who are you?
- How long have you known them?
- What’s your relationship?
- What do you know about their life?
Describing the Applicant’s Living Situation
The next part of your letter should talk about where the person lives and how they live. Are they renting an apartment? Do they own a house? Who do they live with? This information gives the reader a clear picture of the person’s circumstances. Be as specific as possible; vague statements aren’t helpful.
For example, you could write: “Maria lives in a small, one-bedroom apartment. She’s been living there for the past year.” Or, you could add: “She shares the apartment with her two children.” Try to provide any details of the person’s situation to add context.
You might mention the costs associated with their housing. You might also mention the neighborhood:
- Is it a safe neighborhood?
- Is it close to public transport or grocery stores?
- Are there parks or schools nearby?
This helps paint a complete picture. The more details, the better!
Explaining the Applicant’s Financial Hardship
This is a crucial part of the letter. Explain why the person needs food stamps. Are they unemployed? Have they lost their job? Are they experiencing high medical bills? It’s important to provide specific details about their financial challenges.
For instance, you could say: “John recently lost his job due to company layoffs.” Or, “Sarah has been unable to work due to a recent illness, and has medical bills.” If you know how their income has changed, mention that too. Your explanations add important details!
If you’re aware of specific expenses, include them. You could say:
- “John has been actively looking for work.”
- “Maria’s rent is $1,200 per month.”
- “Sarah’s medical bills are over $500 a month.”
Be honest and clear about the person’s challenges. This will strengthen your letter.
Sharing Observations About Their Struggles
Here, you can share observations about what you’ve seen. Have you noticed the person struggling to afford groceries? Do you see them making difficult choices to make ends meet? This shows that you are a credible witness.
You could write: “I’ve noticed that Maria often skips meals. She tells me she is running low on food.” Or, “I know that John is having a hard time paying his bills.” These small observations show the person’s situation in their daily life.
You could also mention:
| Issue | Example |
|---|---|
| Grocery shopping | “John brings his own bags because he can’t afford to buy any.” |
| Other expenses | “She says she’s chosen to skip taking medicine to pay for groceries.” |
The more detailed you are, the more believable your letter will be.
Offering a Final Statement of Support
In your final paragraph, summarize your support for the person. Reiterate your belief in their need for food stamps. You can state that you believe food stamps would help them. This shows that you are there for the applicant.
You could write: “I believe that access to food stamps would significantly help John provide food for his family.” Or, “I fully support Sarah’s application for food stamps and believe it would provide much-needed relief.” Make sure your closing is supportive and clear. This part should be short and direct.
You can also include your contact information at the end so that the application authorities can contact you if they have any further questions:
- Your full name
- Your phone number
- Your email address (optional)
Make sure you also sign and date the letter.
Following the Rules and Being Honest
When writing a letter of support, it’s important to be truthful and honest. Don’t make up information or exaggerate the person’s situation. The purpose of the letter is to provide accurate information. Also, make sure you follow any specific instructions or guidelines provided by the food stamp program. Some programs might have specific forms or require certain information.
It’s also wise to review what you’ve written to ensure that it is clear and easy to read. Using plain language makes it easier to understand. You want the reader to easily grasp the person’s situation. Make sure everything is accurate before sending it.
Before you submit your letter, ask yourself:
- Is everything I wrote true?
- Is it easy to understand?
- Is all the needed information included?
Remember that accuracy and truthfulness are key.
Writing a letter of support can seem like a big task, but by following these steps, you can create a letter that makes a difference. Be detailed, honest, and show you care. Good luck!