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Basic Food Employment and Training

Program Overview

Are you receiving Basic Food assistance (SNAP)? The Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program can help you get the training you need for a better paying job and economic security. The program is a partnership between the Department of Social and Health Services, community and technical colleges, and community-based organizations.

The Basic Food Employment and Training program (BFET) provides services to federal Basic Food assistance recipients in Washington state. Services provided include job search assistance, education and skills training, English language instruction, and in certain cases, support for tuition, childcare, housing, supplies, and other related expenses.

If you think you might qualify for the BFET program, please fill out out our Interest Survey and one of our staff members will contact you.

Student Grants Center staff are mandatory reporters and must report any suspected public benefits fraud (1-800-562-6906) as well as child, youth, and family abuse (1-866-363-4276).

You may qualify if:

  • You receive or are eligible to receive federal food assistance, which in Washington state is called Basic Food. Some people refer to it by the general name "food stamps."
  • You are not receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). People who receive TANF get training through a different program called WorkFirst.
  • If you or your household is $0 eligible for food benefits, you may still be eligible for the BFET program.
 You may be able to receive:
  • Personal assessment and career planning.
  • Tuition assistance applied to a vocational certificate or non-transfer associate degree. BFET does not apply to transfer degrees or four-year degrees.
  • Adult education for foundational skills in reading, writing and math.
  • English language instruction.
  • High School+ , a high school completion program for students over age 18.
  • Case management.
  • Support services for childcare, housing, transportation, clothing, supplies and other job-related expenses.

If you have questions or would like to speak to a Student Grants Center staff member, please reach out to a staff member listed below or email our department at StudentGrantsCenter@wvc.edu

Mary Adamski
Student Navigator
(509) 682-6613
madamski@wvc.edu

Dalia Hernandez
Student Navigator
(509) 682-6965
dhernandezfarias@wvc.edu

Erika Schenkvonstauffenberg
Student Grants Center Coordinator
(509) 682-6964
eschenkvonstauffenberg@wvc.edu