logoWhat is BF E&T?

BF E&T is the Basic Food Employment & Training program. Walla Walla Community College’s BF E&T program is a partnership with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) which offers educational and workforce training opportunities to students receiving Basic Food Assistance (formerly known as Food Stamps).

WWCC’s BF E&T program provides access and services to Basic Food recipients in Washington State. Services include education and job skills training, support services such as Working Connection Child Care subsidy, as well as job search assistance.

Enrolling in BF E&T allows you to maintain your Basic Food Assistance while you attend school, even if you are not able to meet the federal 20-hour per week work requirements. If you have been denied Basic Food benefits in the past due to not meeting this work requirement, BF E&T staff may be able to assist you in re-establishing your ability to receive food benefits.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for BF E&T program if:

  • You are currently receiving or are eligible to receive food benefits.
    • Eligibility is based on household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty rate.
  • You are enrolled in a Professional Technical program of study, or ESL, ABE, or GED program. (Transfer degree programs are not eligible)
  • You are a U.S. Citizen, Refugee, or Immigrant (that has been in the United States for more than 5 years).
  • You are not receiving and participating in the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits through DSHS (see WorkFirst program).

Benefits

BF E&T Program benefits may include:

  • Establishing and/or maintaining eligibility for food benefits while attending school
  • Eligibility for Working Connections Child Care (DSHS’ Child Care Subsidy Program)
  • Assistance with books and required course materials
  • Referral to on-campus and off-campus resources
  • Exemption from 20-hour per week work requirement for students receiving Basic Food

Program Expectations

BF E&T Program Expectations

  • Complete Individual Employment Plan
  • Monthly Progress Report – meet briefly with college BF E&T staff to discuss progress
  • Notify colleges BF E&T staff if your circumstances change, for example you open TANF, close your food benefits, stop going to school, drop or add classes, move, gain or lose employment

How to Apply

How to Apply for Basic Food Assistance:

  • Apply online
  • Apply at your local DSHS Community Service Office:
    1371 W Pine Street
    Walla Walla, WA 99362

If you are interested in the Basic Food Employment & Training Program, please complete the following BF E&T application and submit to staff, Walla Walla Campus Office 324, Clarkston Campus Office 134.

Walla Walla Campus

Tiffany Teal
Educational & Career Navigator, BFET
509.414.1856
[email protected]

Clarkston Campus

Marci Nixon
Basic Food Employment & Training BFE&T
509.780.6251
[email protected]