Food stamps help you buy nutritious food for you and your family with coupons and an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Food stamps help just when you need it most. How do you apply for Food Stamps? You need to fill out an application. After you've filled it out, you can mail it or drop it off in person. When your application is received, you'll get a phone call requesting an in-person interview. You can get Food Stamps in as little as seven days.