What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

Q) What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

A) The Food Stamp Program, now known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a federal assistance program in the United States that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase food. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is designed to help ensure that all Americans have access to adequate nutrition.

Eligible individuals receive an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card, to purchase food at participating grocery stores and markets. The amount of benefits a household receives depends on a variety of factors, including income, family size, and expenses.

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a wide variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, bread, meat, and non-alcoholic beverages. Certain items, such as hot prepared foods and non-food items like soap and household supplies, are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.

SNAP is the largest nutrition assistance program in the United States, serving millions of people each year. The program not only helps to reduce hunger and improve nutrition but also provides economic benefits to communities by increasing demand for food products and supporting jobs in the agriculture and food industries.