Understanding SNAP:

A Comprehensive Guide to Food Assistance

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP is an important government program that helps low-income households in the United States access the food they need. SNAP is an effective method of combatting food insecurity by allowing people to choose the food they want to eat while putting money back into the local economy. 

When we understand how to access and use these benefits, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. Find out how SNAP can help you, your loved ones, and our community through the resources below.  

Last Updated: March 2026

Let’s answer your SNAP questions:

 

What is SNAP?

SNAP (sometimes called food stamps) is a government program that helps low-income households buy food. Funded by the federal Farm Bill, it is the largest program in the U.S. that fights hunger. SNAP helps people save money on groceries so they can pay for other things like housing, transportation, and childcare. SNAP benefits are received each month through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card works like a debit card and can be used to buy food items at many places including grocery stores, superstores, pharmacies, gas stations, and some farmers markets. Food items you can buy include meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, eggs, bread, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

In some states, the SNAP program also includes SNAP Employment and Training (E&T), a program that helps people who qualify for SNAP gain skills and find better work.  

SNAP Eligibility

SNAP work requirements and benefit amounts may vary by state, but there are federal guidelines. Generally, SNAP participation is limited to U.S. citizens who meet the income, age, and work requirements. Some non-citizens may also be eligible if they are a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holders), Cuban/Haitian entrants, and Citizens of Countries with Compacts of Free Association (COFA). People who are not citizens but have children who ARE U.S. citizens in their household may still be eligible for SNAP. 

Many adults aged 16–59 who receive SNAP and can work must follow basic work rules. These may include registering for work, taking an acceptable job if offered, participating in SNAP Employment & Training (E&T), and not quitting a job or working less hours without a good reason. However, these rules are waived for some people. This may include people who are already working enough hours, caring for a dependent, in a substance use treatment program, unable to work due to a mental or physical limitation, or enrolled in school or job training at least part-time.  

In North Carolina, extra rules apply to some adults without children. As of December 1, 2025, adults ages 18–64 who do not live with a child under age 14 and are able to work can usually only receive SNAP for three months in a 36-month period unless they work or participate in approved work activities for at least 20 hours per week. Some people who were previously exempt, such as veterans or young adults who were in foster care at age 18, will have to follow these rules unless they qualify for another exemption. 

Am I eligible for food benefits?

SNAP benefits are provided each month on an Electronic Benefits (EBT) card, which is like a debit card, and are accepted at most grocery stores and food retailers. MANNA staff and volunteers can help you determine your eligibility and complete your application or recertification over the phone. You can also apply directly at your county’s Department of Social Services (DSS).  

If you qualify and begin receiving SNAP benefits, you will also need to recertify your eligibility after a certain amount of time. The length of time is based on your personal situation, so read any messages or letters regarding SNAP carefully.  

To receive SNAP benefits, you need to meet certain income limits and other guidelines:

Household Size 200% Maximum Gross Income Limit* Maximum Benefit Allotment
1 $2,610 $298
2 $3,526 $535
3 $4,442 $766
4 $5,360 $994
5 $6,276 $1,183
6 $7,194 $1,421
7 $8,112 $1,571
8 $9,0303 $1,789
Each additional member +$918 +$218

Most SNAP households are under the 200% maximum gross income limit. Gross income is all the money a household earns before anything is taken out, like taxes. Net income is what’s left after certain allowed costs are subtracted from gross income.  

Some households are categorically eligible, which means they automatically qualify for SNAP because they already get help from another program like TANF or SSI. These households do not have to follow the same income or resource rules. Other households, called non-categorically eligible, must follow the rules for income and resources.  

If this feels confusing, MANNA can help! Schedule an appointment to speak with one of our staff or trained volunteers about your SNAP eligibility. 

SNAP Application Process

You can apply for SNAP online through ePASS, in person at your county’s Department of Social Services (DSS) office, or by filling out a paper application and mailing it or dropping it off at your local DSS office. Applying for SNAP can feel complicated, but MANNA can help!  

MANNA’s Food Helpline is designed to support people in Western North Carolina by connecting them to a variety of food assistance services. Our Helpline team members are trained to help neighbors complete SNAP applications, and can also help you with the recertification process. Please click here to learn more about our Helpline. 

Using SNAP Benefits

How do I check my benefits when I qualify?

Here’s how you can check the amount of SNAP funds available on your account: 

  • Call 1-888-622-7328. 
  • Visit www.ebtedge.com. Click “More Information” under EBT Cardholders. 
  • Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play. 

Where Can I Use SNAP EBT?

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

The SNAP Retailer Locator allows anyone to locate nearby SNAP-authorized retailers by entering a street address, city and state or zip code. Enter your starting location and select a retailer or map point to get details and directions.

Using SNAP at Local Farmers’ Markets

We are thankful for farmers markets throughout WNC for accepting SNAP as a form of payment and making healthy food accessible to more of our neighbors.  

While many farmers markets in WNC accept SNAP, there are a handful of markets that offer additional incentives, especially when it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables. The Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables Program offers a one-to-one match on dollars spent by SNAP customers. For example, you can exchange $10 of SNAP funds for $20 worth of fresh produce. 

Double SNAP is a great opportunity to double the value of SNAP benefits while purchasing nutrient-dense food and supporting local farmers. For information on which markets in WNC offer Double SNAP, visit ASAP’s website. 

According to Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), markets offering the Double SNAP incentive dramatically increase the number of SNAP customers and sales. The program is a win-win: it provides access to fresh and healthy foods for families who are already struggling to afford groceries, while bringing in more income for our local farmers and food businesses. 

While various markets in our region offer Double SNAP, there are other markets in our service area that offer SNAP incentive programs that have a different structure. You can find which markets offer SNAP incentive programs on ASAP’s website. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was SNAP created?

SNAP began in 1939 as the Food Stamp Program. People could buy orange stamps to use on any food, and they were also given blue stamps to buy extra foods the government had too much of. The program ended in 1943 but was later reinstated and became permanent in 1964. 

The program changed many times in the 1970s and 1980s. In the late 1980s, it improved as more people recognized that hunger in the U.S. was a serious problem. In the 1990s and early 2000s, new welfare laws reduced benefits and added more work requirements. Around this time, the program also switched to the EBT card system. 

The 2008 Farm Bill increased support for the program and changed its name to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to help reduce stigma. 

Why is SNAP so important?

SNAP makes a huge difference in economic wellbeing and overall health for struggline families and communities. In fact, each dollar in federally funded SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in economic activity. The program supports thousands of people in rising above poverty and maintaining stability. SNAP participation and monthly SNAP benefits have a dramatic impact on overall health and wellbeing, particularly for children. There’s also strong evidence of SNAP’s effectiveness in alleviating food insecurity and improving the economy. 

SNAP, WIC, TEFAP – What’s the difference?

SNAP, WIC, and TEFAP are three separate federally funded health and nutrition programs supporting low-income individuals and families in the U.S. If the eligibility requirements are met for each, it is possible to qualify for all three programs at the same time. 

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides food assistance for low-income women who are pregnant or postpartum, infants, and children up to five years of age. Single fathers, foster parents, and guardians who have custody of their children can also apply. Through WIC, participants can get food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support. Benefits for the program are either distributed through WIC checks or an EBT card. EBT cards for SNAP are loaded with a predetermined amount of cash benefits, while WIC benefits involve a monthly food package of approved foods based on the participant’s category (pregnant, postpartum, infant, or child). WIC EBT cards can only be used to buy specific, approved foods. As WIC and SNAP are both Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs, potential recipients can apply for both online via E-PASS. 

The Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides food assistance for low-income households. Through the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture purchases nutritious foods and makes them available to agencies who then distribute the food to smaller organizations (soup kitchens, food pantries, etc.) directly serving the public. There is no standard form to fill out for the program and eligibility standards vary by state. The burden of proof is generally lower for this program than other federal food assistance programs. Participants who are already participating in SNAP, WIC, or another low-income benefits program will most likely qualify for TEFAP. 

Can non-citizens apply for benefits?

SNAP participation is limited to U.S. citizens and some lawfully present non-citizens who meet the income and resource requirements. Lawfully present non-citizens may qualify if they meet the general requirements and have additionally lived in the U.S. for at least five years, are receiving disability-related benefits, and/or are under 18 years of age. If you have eligible household members who are dependents, then you can apply for them even if you are ineligible.

Additional Resources

Past Posts about SNAP:

Over the Cliff: Food Needs in WNC Skyrocket as Emergency SNAP Allotments End

Food is more than fuel for the body; it is powerful preventative medicine. And right now, it is medicine in short supply across Western North Carolina. In April, MANNA served 151,000 neighbors – an alarming 12% increase over the prior month’s total, and a it’s trend that we anticipate will continue as costs of living……

June 13, 2023

SNAP: A Crucial Resource for Neighbors in Western North Carolina

Q: What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?A: SNAP is a federal program designed to supplement the food budgets of low-income households, and it is the largest program in the U.S. that addresses hunger. Funded by the Farm Bill, SNAP funds reduce the financial strain on families, allowing them to buy healthier foods and divert……

April 11, 2023

A Socioeconomic Superstorm: Emergency SNAP Allotments End This Month

MANNA FoodBank and our dedicated partner agency network continue to stretch every resource as far as possible to provide vital emergency food support for more people than ever in our organization’s history. Thanks to caring individuals and organizations, MANNA and our partners have worked hard to be there for our neighbors with the food they……

February 9, 2023