Understanding SNAP: A Comprehensive Guide to Food Assistance

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a vital resource for individuals and families across the United States. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal assistance program that helps low-income households afford nutritious food and alleviate food insecurity.

Table of Contents:

• What is SNAP?
• SNAP Eligibility
• SNAP Application Process
• Benefits and Allotments
• Using SNAP Benefits
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Additional Resources

Discover how SNAP can make a meaningful difference in your life or the lives of those you care about. Let’s embark on a journey to understand and access the support available through SNAP, ensuring that no one goes hungry in our communities.

What is SNAP?

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 some of their finances (which would have gone to food) to other needs, including transportation, housing, and childcare. SNAP benefits come in the form of monthly funds loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This card works like a debit card and can be used on eligible food items at various locations including grocery stores, superstores, pharmacies, gas stations, and some farmer’s markets. Eligible food items include meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, bread, cereals, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

Some other facets of the program include SNAP Employment and Training (E&T), a program with the purpose of supporting recipients in gaining skills and obtaining employment for self-sufficiency, and SNAP-Ed, a program aimed at educating recipients on how to use their benefits to buy and cook healthy meals and how to stay physically active.

SNAP Eligibility

Though SNAP’s income requirements and maximum benefits vary by state, there are general guidelines set at a federal level. 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 old.

There are some general work requirements for those who are 16-59 years old and able to work, including registering for work, participating in SNAP E&T, taking a suitable job if offered, and not quitting or reducing work hours below the limit without a good reason. These do not apply to those already meeting the specified work hours, taking care of a dependent, participating in a substance treatment program, unable to work due to a mental or physical limitation, or those in school or training programs at least part-time.

In North Carolina, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) ages 18-49 are only allowed to receive three months of SNAP benefits in a 36-month period unless they are participating in work activities for at least 20 hours a week. This time limit may be waived in areas with insufficient employment or in the case of an economic recession.

Am I eligible for food benefits?

SNAP can help people struggling with food insecurity buy the food they need. Benefits are provided on an Electronic Benefits (EBT) card, which is similar to 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).

The maximum benefit amount for households receiving Food and Nutrition Services increased for the period of Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024. To receive SNAP benefits, you need to meet certain income criteria and other guidelines. View current income limits below:

*Most SNAP households fall under the 200% Maximum Gross Income Limit.

Gross income means a household’s total, non-excluded income, before any deductions have been made. Net income means gross income minus allowable deductions.

Categorically eligible households are not subject to the resource, gross, and net income limits. Non-categorically eligible households are subject to resource, gross, and net income limits. Non-categorically eligible households that contain specified individuals are only subject to the resource and net income limits.

SNAP Application Process

Potential recipients can apply for SNAP benefits either online through ePASS, in person at their local Department of Social Services (DSS) office, or by filling out a paper application and mailing it or dropping it off at their local DSS office. Though applying for SNAP can seem daunting, there are resources to help you navigate the process.

Our Food Helpline is one such resource, designed to support Western North Carolina community members experiencing food insecurity by connecting them to a variety of food assistance services. Our Helpline team members are specifically trained to help neighbors apply/recertify for SNAP benefits. If you wish to learn more about our Helpline, please click here.

Benefits and Allotments

How do I check my benefits?

Here’s how you can check the availability of your benefits:

• 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.

Using SNAP Benefits

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

Access to nutritious, healthy food is an important basic necessity for everyone. That is why we are thankful for farmers’ markets throughout WNC for accepting SNAP as a form of payment.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the most effective method of combatting food insecurity. SNAP provides households with funds that can then be used for food purchase. The program allows people to choose the food that they want to eat, while putting the money spent back into the local economy.

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. One of the most popular incentive program is called Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables. The program offers a one-to-one match on dollars spent by SNAP customers. For example, someone can exchange $10 of SNAP funds for $20 worth of fresh produce.

Double SNAP is an incredible opportunity for people utilizing SNAP to double the value of their SNAP funds, 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 increases 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 discover which markets offer SNAP incentive programs by reading about it on ASAP’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was SNAP created?

Created in 1939 as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP enabled recipients to buy orange stamps, which could be used for any foods, and were in turn given blue stamps, which could be used to buy foods the government deemed “surplus.” This program ended in 1943 but later became permanent in 1964. The program underwent various reforms throughout the ’70s and ’80s, with significant improvements in the late ’80s as domestic hunger came to be recognized as a severe problem. This included the implementation of the E&T Program. The ’90s and early 2000s were marked by a series of welfare reforms which cut down on benefits and placed an emphasis on work requirements for program eligibility. During this time, there was a widescale shift to the EBT) system. The 2008 Farm Bill increased the commitments to the program and changed the name of the program to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in an effort to reduce stigma. In recent years, there have been changes with a focus on school nutrition programs and nutrition education promoting healthy eating and physical activity.

Why is SNAP so important?

For struggling families and communities, SNAP makes a huge difference in economic wellbeing and overall health. (In fact, each dollar in federally funded SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in economic activity). The program lifts thousands of people out of poverty and helps them stay out. Moreover, SNAP participation and monthly SNAP benefits have a dramatic impact on neighbors’ health and wellbeing, particularly 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 supplemental 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 nutritious foods, 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 and amounts of these based on the participant’s category (pregnant, postpartum, infant, or child). The only cash value benefit on WIC cards are for fruits and vegetables. 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 supplemental food assistance for low-income households. Through the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture purchases nutritious foods and makes them available to state distributing agencies who then distribute the food to organizations (soup kitchens, food pantries, etc.) directly serving the public. Participants can access benefits by visiting these food distribution locations. 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

• USDA’s SNAP Information
• Benefits.gov SNAP Info
• North Carolina SNAP Info

Past Posts about SNAP: