Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Supporting Families, Strengthening Communities

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays a critical role in fighting hunger across the United States. In 2023, SNAP helped around 42 million people afford groceries during difficult times, making it the nation’s most impactful anti-hunger initiative.

How SNAP Works

SNAP is a federal program that provides monthly grocery benefits through EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards, which work like debit cards at stores across the country. These benefits are designed to be timely, targeted, and temporary, helping people when they need it most.

SNAP supports families while simultaneously strengthening the local economy. For every $1 spent through SNAP, about $1.50 in economic activity is generated in return. That means every dollar helps feed families and supports neighborhood grocery stores, farmers markets, and small businesses.

A Vital Complement to Food Banks

While food banks are essential, they can’t meet the full demand alone. In fact, SNAP delivers nine meals for every one meal provided by the Feeding America food bank network. That scale makes SNAP unmatched in its ability to reduce food insecurity across the country.

What’s at Stake?

SNAP is part of the federal Farm Bill, which Congress updates roughly every five years. Feeding America is calling on lawmakers to make key changes in the next reauthorization:

• Adjust benefits to match rising grocery prices, ensuring families get the support they need during economic downturns.

• Simplify the eligibility and application process, especially for seniors, students, veterans, immigrants, and working families.

• Improve support for job seekers by strengthening state employment and training programs, while protecting benefits during periods of job transition.

• Include Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories fully in SNAP, and allow Native communities greater control over program administration.

  
  

By the Numbers

• 81% of SNAP households include a child, senior, or person with a disability.

• Most benefits are spent within a few weeks, delivering quick economic relief to communities.

• SNAP is designed to expand during tough economic times and shrink as the economy improves.

• Many SNAP recipients are actively working or seeking work. Research shows SNAP participation can actually increase long-term employment rates.

• SNAP participants see better long-term health outcomes and save an average of $1,400 annually in health care costs compared to those not receiving benefits.
  

SNAP helps individuals and families afford nutritious food while strengthening local economies. By investing in this program and making it more accessible, we can reduce reliance on food banks, improve public health, and build stronger communities. To learn more about SNAP, reach out to the Council of Community Services at 307-686-2730 and we can point you in the right direction.

Based on information from Feeding America Action. For more, visit: feedingamericaaction.org