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SNAP-Eligible Households

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “food stamps,” helps millions of low-income Americans put food on the table, providing benefits that are timely, targeted and temporary. SNAP is a program that has been proven to respond quickly to changes in need, growing in response to increases in poverty and unemployment, and shrinking as need abates. The nutrition assistance program reaches people who need it most, predominantly serving households with children, elderly and disabled members. SNAP benefits provide a strong work incentive, phasing out as participants get back on their feet.

Nationally, SNAP provides help to more than 42 million people each year. Ensuring everyone who is eligible has access to SNAP benefits is a key means of providing more meals to more people nationwide.

According to Feeding America® research, only 41 percent of the households served by the Feeding America network report receiving SNAP benefits. Yet more than 88 percent are estimated to be income eligible. This suggests many of the families who visit food pantries and meal programs are likely eligible but, for a variety of reasons, are not participating in the program.

Feeding America food banks provide application assistance to those eligible for SNAP through a variety of outreach methods. Contact your local food bank and find out how it is solving food insecurity in your community.

Resources for Organizations and Individuals that conduct SNAP Outreach:

  • SNAP-Ed Strategies and Interventions – A SNAP-Ed toolkit designed to help SNAP-Ed implementing agencies identify evidence-based and emerging intervention programs and strategies to help low-resource residents achieve healthy lifestyles and prevent certain chronic diseases. Other food security resources are available on the Public Health Institute’s website.
  • USDA Healthy Incentives Pilot Report – The Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP) tested a way of making fruits and vegetables more affordable for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • SNAP Pre-Screening Tool – Feeding America has partnered with NCOA on their Benefits CheckUp tool to connect interested seniors with food banks who can assist them in applying for SNAP benefits.
  • What is SNAP? – Watch a video breakdown of SNAP.
  • Let’s Talk About SNAP – This videos details the importance of SNAP as a tool to help people facing food insecurity achieve long-term food security.
  • SNAP To Health! – This site provides a virtual town hall for SNAP, WIC and nutrition in the United States.
  • Online SNAP Assistance – Use this tool to connect with local support when applying for SNAP benefits and other food options in your area.