What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

(DailyDig.com) – When it comes to the cost of groceries, many Americans can find themselves having a hard time keeping up. This is especially true for families that have many mouths to feed. The government understands that a lot of people can struggle to handle this necessity. That is why they have programs available that can help. One popular support opportunity for Americans is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

What is SNAP?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers this program. Many people refer to SNAP as “food stamps”. This assistance opportunity aims to give nutritional support to qualifying households. SNAP will provide eligible recipients an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card will get funds every month from the government that recipients can use towards the cost of qualifying groceries. Recipients can only use EBT cards at stores that accept them as a form of payment. The amount that a household can get is determined by their application. It will look at factors like their income level and family size. For Oct. 1, 2021, to Sept. 30, 2022 the following household sizes have a maximum monthly benefit:

1 person household: Monthly maximum of $250
2 person household: Monthly maximum of $459
3 person household: Monthly maximum of $658
4 person household: Monthly maximum of $835
5 person household: Monthly maximum of $992
6 person household: Monthly maximum of $1,190
7 person household: Monthly maximum of $1,316
8 person household: Monthly maximum of $1,504
Each additional person after 8 family members can get a maximum benefit of $188

SNAP Eligibility

SNAP is available across the country. However, specific eligibility requirements will vary by state. That is why if you want to apply you will need to reach out to your state agency. They will be the ones to determine your eligibility. When it comes to who will get SNAP first, applications are prioritized based on the level of need of the household. It’s important to keep in mind that most college students and even some legal immigrants may automatically be ineligible. For more information you will want to get in touch with your state’s agency! Once you submit your application generally you will find out whether or not you are eligible in 30 days.

What are SNAP Eligible Groceries

Like we said earlier the funds on your EBT cards can only buy qualifying groceries. This includes groceries like:

Bread
Cereal
Dairy products
Fish
Fruits
Meat
Non-alcoholic beverages
Poultry
Seeds and/or plants that produce food for the household to eat
Snack foods
Vegetables
Other foods similar to the ones mentioned above

Not every type of grocery qualifies. Only the ones listed above are eligible for EBT funds. The following groceries are not qualifying:

Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and liquor
Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered before store pick-up)
Medicines
Non-food items
Supplements
Tobacco products like cigarettes
Vitamins

Bottom Line

When it comes to handling the cost of groceries, many people feel like there may be no support available. Luckily, that’s not the case! Instead programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) can help. Even though SNAP is a program available nationwide, it varies by state. That is why state’s are the one to determine an applicant’s eligibility. This program will put funds onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card every month.

The funds can be used towards qualifying groceries. However, not every type of grocery qualifies which is why it is important to be aware of what you can and cannot buy. The amount of funds that you will receive every month depends on factors like your income level and family size. There are maximum limits that families will face! If you have any questions or need more information, you will want to get in touch with your state’s agency.