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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Federal entitlement that provides electronic benefits used to purchase eligible foods, supporting nearly 40 million low-income Americans monthly.

Also: Food Stamps, SNAP

Formerly the Food Stamp Program. Administered by USDA Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP-Ed funds nutrition education for participants. SNAP benefits reduce food insecurity but coverage levels are widely considered inadequate. SNAP eligibility and benefit levels are tied to federal poverty thresholds and household composition.

How one textbook covers it

  • Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 8

    Formerly the Food Stamp Program. Administered by USDA Food and Nutrition Service. SNAP-Ed funds nutrition education for participants. SNAP benefits reduce food insecurity but coverage levels are widely considered inadequate. SNAP eligibility and benefit levels are tied to federal poverty thresholds and household composition.

Related terms

Food Insecurity, Healthy People, WIC