Sometimes, people need a little help getting food on the table. Food stamps, also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), can provide that assistance. If you know someone applying for food stamps, they might need a letter of support from you. This letter can help their application by showing the government that they really need the help. Writing this letter doesn’t have to be hard! Here’s how to do it.
What Should I Include in My Letter?
When you write your letter, you need to include specific information that helps the person applying for food stamps. First, you’ll want to state your relationship with the person. Are you a friend, a family member, a neighbor, or something else? Be clear so the people reading it know who you are.
Next, you will want to explain why you believe the person needs food stamps. You can talk about any financial hardships they’re facing, like job loss, high medical bills, or other unexpected expenses. It’s important to be truthful. Try to give specific examples, not just general statements. For instance, instead of saying “They’re struggling financially,” you could say, “They recently lost their job and are having trouble paying rent and buying groceries.” Use details to explain the situation well.
Then, provide any additional information that can support the person’s case. This might include how long you’ve known the person or if you have helped them in any way. If you have witnessed their struggles firsthand, you can include those details. Be as helpful as you can. Make sure to write clearly. Consider the types of things you can use in your letter. Some examples are:
- Dates of events
- Names of companies or places
- Amounts of money related to bills or expenses
Finally, remember to sign and date the letter. Include your name, address, and phone number so the government can contact you if needed.
How to Start Your Letter
Starting your letter correctly is super important to give the best impression. You want to be clear and get to the point, and you also want to make a good impression on the person reading it. You should start with a polite greeting, like “Dear [Name of caseworker or whoever the letter should go to],” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Using “Dear” is very appropriate for this type of letter.
Next, clearly state the purpose of your letter. Don’t beat around the bush! In the first sentence or two, let the reader know that you are writing to support the food stamp application of the person you’re writing about. Try to use simple, easy-to-understand language. Use the person’s full name and mention that you’re writing to help them get SNAP benefits. You might say something like, “I am writing to support the food stamp application of [Applicant’s Full Name].” or “This letter is to help [Applicant’s Full Name] with their application for food stamps.”
Also, remember that you are speaking on behalf of the applicant, not making a judgement about them. Your role is to provide information and context. Keep your tone respectful and considerate. It’s not a time to use slang or write in a way that seems casual. The goal is to present your friend in a good light, showing your support.
Here’s an example of a good opening paragraph:
Dear [Caseworker’s Name],
I am writing to support the food stamp application of [Applicant’s Full Name]. I am a close friend of [Applicant’s Name] and have known them for [Number] years. I am familiar with their current situation and can offer some insight into their need for assistance.
The Body of Your Letter: Providing Details
The main part of your letter is where you explain why the person needs food stamps. You should provide specific details about the applicant’s situation. Think of it as telling a story, but a helpful and supportive one. Be sure to be truthful and use clear, straightforward language. The goal is to help the reader understand the difficulties the person is facing.
One way to organize the details is to focus on financial struggles. This might include job loss, reduced work hours, unexpected medical bills, or any other financial issues. You can explain how these issues have affected the person’s ability to buy food. Instead of saying something like “They have no money,” you could provide some facts like “They were laid off from their job on [Date] and have been unable to find new employment.”
Another approach is to discuss the person’s living situation. If they are facing challenges with housing costs, such as high rent or potential eviction, this information could be relevant. You could also mention if they are supporting children or other family members, and if so, how that impacts their financial situation. To keep things organized, use lists or bullet points. For example, you might write something like:
- Lost their job on [Date]
- Current monthly rent: $[Amount]
- Medical bills: $[Amount]
Be sure to use specific examples. Providing evidence, like dates or amounts, is more persuasive than making general statements. Make the applicant’s story real for the reader. Be sure to offer proof, not just feelings. Avoid any information that is not related to the applicant’s need for food stamps. Your goal is to write a letter that is helpful and complete, and paints a clear picture of the applicant’s circumstances.
Adding Personal Observations
Adding your personal observations can also strengthen your letter. Your insights and experiences can offer a more complete picture of the applicant’s situation. Be careful that the personal observations are appropriate. This will offer the reader a more well-rounded understanding. This information can help the government evaluate the application. When doing this, remember to be respectful and factual.
One way to do this is to describe the person’s character. You can talk about how they are always trying to improve their situation, or how they are working hard to overcome challenges. You can also discuss how they treat others. Try to avoid any negativity. When describing an applicant’s character, you might say something like: “I have always known [Applicant’s Name] to be a hardworking and honest person. They are committed to supporting their family.”
You can also share your own experiences with the person. For example, you could describe how you have seen them struggle with financial difficulties. Or, you could mention the ways in which they have tried to manage their expenses, like seeking employment or reducing unnecessary spending. Another idea is to provide proof of good character by using a table like this:
| Trait | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Hardworking | Worked two jobs to support family |
| Responsible | Always pays bills on time |
| Caring | Regularly volunteers at local shelter |
By adding specific examples, you make your observations more impactful. Personal observations can humanize the applicant, making their situation more relatable. Just be sure to be truthful and respectful.
The Importance of a Clear and Concise Tone
It’s important to write clearly and avoid any unnecessary jargon or complicated language. The person reading your letter will likely be a government employee. They need to quickly understand the applicant’s situation. Being clear and direct will help them do that. Use simple sentences, straightforward language, and get straight to the point.
Be sure to avoid slang or overly casual language. Your letter is an official document, so it should be professional in tone. It is always better to be professional. Also, be sure to proofread your letter carefully to catch any typos or grammatical errors. These errors can detract from your message and make it appear less credible. Always use proper grammar and spelling. Reading the letter out loud can help you catch any mistakes you might have missed while writing.
You also want to keep the letter concise. Don’t include information that is not relevant. Focus on the facts of the applicant’s situation. Be as clear and complete as possible without rambling. Keep the letter focused on the applicant and the reasons why they need food assistance. You should only include the facts that are relevant. This will help the reader focus on the most important information.
Here’s a little chart for you to think about as you get ready to write. It might help you keep things straight.
| To Do | Not To Do |
|---|---|
| Use clear language | Use jargon or slang |
| Be concise | Ramble or include unnecessary details |
| Proofread carefully | Make spelling or grammar mistakes |
Concluding Your Letter
The ending of your letter is just as important as the beginning. You want to end the letter in a way that supports the applicant’s case. You can express your belief that the applicant deserves food stamp assistance. Show support for the applicant. You can reaffirm your support for their application. A short, thoughtful closing can leave a positive impression.
A common way to end your letter is to restate your support. You can also offer to provide further information, if needed. Then, include a formal closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.” Be sure to sign your name and include your contact information, such as your address and phone number. It’s important that the government can contact you if they have any questions. Here are some ideas for your closing sentence:
- “I believe [Applicant’s Name] is a deserving individual, and I hope this letter is helpful.”
- “Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.”
- “I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this matter.”
A good way to conclude is to express confidence. Make your final words positive and supportive. You want to convey your support, and also signal the end of your letter. Try to express the conclusion in a direct, but respectful tone. End with your name, address, and phone number. If you’re using a computer, you can type your name and contact information. Try something like this:
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Remember, you are helping someone who needs it. By following these tips, you can write a clear and effective letter of support.
Good luck with your writing!