The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need. Here are some key things to know about SNAP.
SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is available in all states. The program helps people on limited incomes buy food and maintain good nutrition. Eligibility is based on income and family size. Benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card each month. The card can be used to buy food at authorized stores, farmer markets and online retailers.
As of November 2025, about 41.2 million Americans receive SNAP benefits each month, representing roughly 12.3% of the U.S. population.
To qualify for SNAP, your income must be below a certain amount. The income limits are based on the size of your household. Here are the limits for 2026:
One person: $1,305/month, two people: $1,763/month, three people: $2,221/month, four people: $2,680/month, five people: $3,13month, six people: $3,596/month, seven people: $4,055/month, eight people: $4,513/month.
Keep in mind that these limits may be higher if someone in your household is 60 or older or has a disability.
SNAP recipients can buy a wide variety of food items, including:
- Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables, herbs)
- Meat, poultry, fish and seafood
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, eggs)
- Breads and grains (bread, rice, pasta, cereals)
- Pantry items (canned goods, oils, spices)
- Snacks (nuts, seeds, dried fruit)
- Beverages (juice, milk, coffee, tea)
- Infant formula and baby food
- Seeds and plants to grow your own food
Recipients can also buy prepared meals from certain retailers in some states.
California has the most SNAP recipients, with about 5,496,920 people receiving benefits. Wyoming has the lowest participation rate, with about 5% of its population enrolled in SNAP —11,890 people.
Many people who receive SNAP benefits also qualify for other programs, including:
- Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program
- Free or reduced-price school meals
- Low-cost phone or internet service
- Housing assistance
- Energy assistance
- Veterans’ benefits
Some states also offer additional benefits, such as:
- Summer EBT programs for children
- SNAP match programs at farmers’ markets
- Discounts on museum or zoo visits
The government shutdown is affecting SNAP recipients in several ways.
- November SNAP benefits will be delayed due to the shutdown, but a court has ruled they must be paid.
- Some states are providing emergency funds to help with the delay.
- SNAP recipients can still use their EBT cards and apply for benefits during the shutdown.
- Food banks are preparing for an increase in demand.
- Some businesses are offering discounted meals and other resources to help.
Americans should support their local food banks, as well as churches and nonprofits that are trying to provide food during this difficult time.
Sources: fns.usda.gov/snap, nutrition.gov.
Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of “Uncommon Sense” and 13 other books.