Why SNAP?

Why do we need SNAP?

SNAP and other anti-hunger programs are vital to ending hunger in America.

The first food-stamp program was created in 1939. Decades later, food stamps have become the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). We’ve made strides in feeding our neighbors since the Great Depression, but Feeding America projects that 42 million people (1 in 8), including 13 million children (1 in 6) may experience food insecurity in 2021.

SNAP and other anti-hunger programs are an incredibly important resource for our neighbors who may be recovering from a tough break and need a little temporary help getting back on their feet, or who need support during a crisis. These programs are efficient and effective. Feeding America is the largest anti-hunger charity in the United States, but all of our good work is only a fraction of what the federal anti-hunger programs accomplish. For every meal Feeding America provides, SNAP provides nine.

Who does SNAP help?

SNAP helps our neighbors put food on the table during difficult times. Mainly, SNAP serves children, seniors, and people with disabilities. In fact, nearly half of the people receiving SNAP are children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SNAP is helping people who suddenly found themselves in the unfamiliar situation of not being able to put food on the table for themselves or their families.

How does SNAP work?

SNAP is available to people living in households with low incomes. Those who qualify for SNAP receive Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, loaded with benefits that are timely, targeted, and temporary. Benefits are about $1.40 per meal or around $127 per person per month. SNAP benefits can only be spent on food.

How does SNAP help the economy?

Households usually spend their monthly benefits right away, so SNAP provides quick support to local economies. And that support is significant, as every dollar in SNAP benefits helps generate between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity. 

What happens if we don't increase SNAP benefits for the duration of the economic downturn and beyond?

If we don’t increase SNAP benefits for the duration of the economic downturn and beyond, food banks will continue to face unprecedented demand for food assistance. In 2020, we provided 6.1 billion meals to our neighbors facing hunger, an increase of 44 percent over 2019.