SNAP

Food Security, one of the Main Pillar of Democracy

Food security is a fundamental component of any society and serves as a cornerstone of democracy and public health. It is also recognized as a critical human rights issue, obligating governments to ensure and uphold the right to food security for their populations. The United States is a leader in this area, extending food security measures not only to its citizens but also to non-citizens, reflecting its commitment to fairness and accountability.

To maintain these initiatives and ensure equitable distribution of resources, it is crucial for governments, including the U.S., to implement rigorous vetting processes and maintain a system of checks and balances. This helps in identifying and preventing any potential misuse or overspending of funds allocated for food security. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program, is a prime example of such an initiative. Managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), SNAP provides essential nutritional support to low-income individuals and families, enabling them to buy groceries at authorized retailers through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

Serving as a vital safety net, SNAP aims to alleviate food insecurity and enhance access to nutritious food, especially during times of economic difficulty. The program is entirely funded by the federal government, which covers all direct benefit costs. For Fiscal Year 2024, the federal expenditure on SNAP was approximately $100.3 billion, with about 93% of this amount ($93.7 billion) going directly to benefits. The average monthly benefit was $187.17 per person or $351.49 per household. Administrative expenses are split evenly between the federal and state governments, with some local contributions varying by county.

SNAP is reauthorized every five years via the Farm Bill and receives annual funding through congressional appropriations. However, the federal government shutdown beginning in early October 2025 has disrupted the program’s operations. Although a federal court mandated the continuation of SNAP benefits by October 31, 2025, following legal action by states and advocacy groups, some states are still experiencing delays due to administrative challenges. Affected recipients are encouraged to seek assistance from local food banks or emergency services during this period. The shutdown has also caused confusion regarding the issuance of backdated payments, with efforts underway in states like Oregon and Pennsylvania to rectify the situation once funds are available.

Recent legislative changes, such as those introduced in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, have imposed stricter work requirements, expanded time limits, shifted costs to states, and reduced eligibility for certain groups, including some immigrants. This legislation has significantly reduced SNAP funding by an estimated $186 billion over the next decade and has eliminated associated programs like SNAP-Ed.

Eligibility for SNAP is primarily determined by federal guidelines, although there are some state-specific variations. These criteria include income and resource limits, with gross monthly income needing to be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level and net income at or below 100%. States that adopt Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) may have higher income thresholds. Asset limits are set at $2,750, increasing to $4,250 for households with elderly or disabled members, although many states choose to waive these limits. Categorical eligibility is granted automatically to households where all members receive benefits such as TANF or SSI. Additional requirements apply to U.S. citizens and qualified non-citizens, and able-bodied adults without dependents are subject to a three-month benefit limit over a three-year period unless they meet work or training requirements.

In fiscal year 2024, approximately 78% of those eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participated, with enrollment figures reaching 41.7 million individuals across 22.2 million households. Of these participants, nearly 62% are from families with children, while 37% of households include seniors or individuals with disabilities. A significant portion of these beneficiaries are also among the working poor.

How to Apply and Use Benefits

Application Process

To apply for SNAP benefits, applicants can choose to submit their applications online, by mail, or in person at local SNAP offices, which can be located using the USDA’s SNAP State Directory. The application process typically includes an interview and generally takes up to 30 days to process, although emergency applications can be expedited and processed within 7 days.

Receiving Benefits

SNAP benefits are distributed monthly via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to purchase food items, excluding hot meals, alcohol, and tobacco. The average monthly benefit for a household is $351, though this amount may vary based on household size and financial circumstances.

Current Disruptions

Due to recent governmental shutdowns, it is advisable for beneficiaries to check their state’s human services website for updates on payment statuses. In response, communities in states such as Arkansas, Alabama, and California are organizing additional support through food pantries and emergency funds.

For more detailed information on eligibility or to receive updates, individuals are encouraged to visit the Federal Nutrition Service website at fns.usda.gov/snap or to contact their local SNAP office. The SNAP program not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also contributes to local economies, with every dollar of SNAP benefits generating between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity.