What is SNAP and How to Apply

SNAP or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides monthly funds to buy groceries. It is the largest anti-hunger program in America, helping over 41 million people in 2022. 

Connect with your food bank and learn how to apply

Your local food bank or SNAP office can help you find out if you are eligible for monthly SNAP assistance and help you fill out an application.

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Commonly asked questions about SNAP

  • SNAP benefits come on a card like a debit card. You can use it at local stores or farmers' markets for groceries. The amount depends on your income and family size.

  • SNAP is sometimes called other names. For example, you may hear SNAP called food stamps or EBT. Some places also have a different name for SNAP, like Link or CalFresh. All these names refer to the same program - SNAP, a monthly benefit to help make food more affordable.

  • Anyone can apply. Basic eligibility depends on monthly income and expenses. Check with your local food bank or SNAP office for specific requirements in your state. There is no risk in seeing if you are eligible for SNAP.

    • Fruits and vegetables
    • Meat, fish, and poultry
    • Dairy products
    • Bread and cereals
    • Snacks and beverages
    • Seeds and plants to grow food for your family

     

    SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:

    • Alcohol or tobacco products
    • Non-food items like pet food, cleaning supplies, household supplies like toilet paper, or hygiene items like shampoo, menstrual products, baby formula, or diapers
    • Vitamins and medicines

  • Most grocery stores, convenience stores, farmers' markets and even online delivery services accept SNAP.

What does the recent government shutdown mean for SNAP?

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Feeding America understands that many families have been forced to make impossible choices between food and other necessities like housing and health care due to the government shutdown. 

Even though the government shutdown is now over, we know that the disruptions to SNAP and other programs will still have a ripple effect for families. The Feeding America network of food banks, pantries and other meal programs is committed to doing everything we can to help families affected by the shutdown. 

We put together an FAQ on the recent shutdown’s continued impact on SNAP to help people better understand how they can access food.

  • SNAP benefits in November 2025 will be delayed. December 2025 and January 2026 benefits will go out on time and in full. 

    Each state has navigated the shutdown differently, so SNAP benefits in some states have already been issued in full. Other states may have begun implementing programs to fill the gap during the lapse in benefits in November.

    If you already have SNAP money on your EBT card from previous months, you can still use it. 

    Please continue to look to local and state agencies for the most up-to-date information.

  • Yes, you can still apply for SNAP benefits. However, if you apply for SNAP in November 2025, both the processing of your application and the distribution of your benefits may be delayed.

How does the One Big Beautiful Bill affect SNAP?

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In July 2025, Congress passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBBB), making major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Many details about when and how those changes will be implemented are still developing. 

If you use SNAP to help put food on the table, you probably have questions. While some things are still uncertain, one thing is not: Feeding America and the network of food banks are here to support you. Here is information to help you understand these changes. 

  • Changes to eligibility
    New rules will make it harder for some families to qualify, as soon as this fall.

    • More people—including for the first time ever, people ages 55 through 64 and parents of school-aged children 14 years and older—will now need to complete more SNAP paperwork to continue benefits. This includes showing proof of work or approved job training. These rules will also apply to veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth, all people who were previously exempt.
    • Some legal residents who are not U.S. citizens—who were previously eligible for the program—will no longer be eligible for SNAP at all.

    SNAP funds and program availability may vary by state 

    Starting in the next year or two, states may not have enough funds to ensure benefits are available to everyone who received them in the past.

    • A share of food benefit costs may shift from the federal government to state governments beginning in October 2027. Historically, the federal government has covered all food benefit costs.
    • Another major change is that states will need to cover a much higher share of SNAP administrative costs beginning in October 2026.

  • In the next few months, you can expect changes. If you receive SNAP, you may now need to complete more paperwork to keep getting benefits. Some legal residents who are not U.S. citizens may no longer be eligible for SNAP food benefits at all. 

    These new requirements will start soon. Contact your SNAP caseworker for more information about what this means for you in your state. Not sure who your caseworker is? Find your state program office.