What is FoodShare
FoodShare is a government program that gives cash benefits on a card that can be used for groceries. In other states, the program may be called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or food stamps. In addition to buying groceries at approved locations, foodshare benefits can be used at many farmers markets to access fresh fruits and vegetables. Check out more information on the Department of Health Services Website.
Curious if you are eligible? Check out these helpful handouts.
You may need to access and share a recent earning statement or paystub. Below are steps to finding this information your MyUW Student Center.
- Log into MyUW
- Find or search for “Payroll Information”
- Click on “Earning Statements”
- View and save previous earning statement
You may be requested to demonstrate your accepted federal work study award for the academic term. The first step is verifying that you have accepted you Federal Work Study for the current aid year; below are steps to check this in your student center.
If you need a written letter verifying your Federal Work Study for the academic year, email the Office of Student Financial Aid Basic Needs team with the request.
Here are steps to verify your Federal Work Study Award:
- Log into MyUW
- Find or search for “Student Center”
- Open the “Financial Aid” tile
- Open the current aid year (2024-2025)
- The “Award Summary” will show the accepted federal work study award to screenshot and save.
You may be asked to verify you currently employment status and this information should come directly from your employer. Reach out to your direct supervisor or full-time staff member and request they write a letter (on letterhead) stating you are currently employed and earning your Federal Work Study award. Your employer may ask you to provide a screenshot of your financial aid award to verify your federal work study award (please see step above). Below is an example of the letter they could write on your behalf.
Contact the Basic Needs Team (basic.needs@finaid.wisc.edu) if you need any support in this process.
Remember: Almost all On-Campus student hourly positions are work study eligible and you will automatically earn this award as long as you have accepted your federal work study award.
Template Letter: Download Example or copy text below
To whom it may concern,
This is to certify that STUDENT NAME is a Work Study student at PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT as a/an JOB TITLE and is eligible to earn $WORK-STUDY AMOUNT* under the Federal Work-Study Program during the period from August 25, 2024 through May 17, 2025. STUDENT NAME works NUMBER hours per week and is paid $WAGE per hour. It is assumed that the student will be enrolled at least half-time during this period.
Employer Signature
Quick Links
Apply for FoodShare
Ready to apply for FoodShare? Visit ACCESS Wisconsin to start your application.
Department of Health Services
Learn more specific information about income limits, the application process, how to access benefits, and more on the Department of Health Services website.
Step-By-Step Guide to Applying
The Office of Student Financial Aid Basic Needs Team created a step-by-step guide to help with the FoodShare application. Access this resource to help with your application.
FoodShare Benefits
Check out locations to use your FoodShare Benefits.