The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is the nation’s most important anti-hunger program. In an average month in 2024, SNAP helped an average of more than 41 million low-income people in the United States afford a nutritionally adequate diet. SNAP provides important nutritional support for working families with low-paying jobs, low-income older adults (60 years and older) and people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and households with low incomes. Nearly 62 percent of SNAP participants are in families with children, and nearly 37 percent are in households with older adults or people with disabilities. After unemployment insurance, SNAP is the most responsive federal program that provides additional assistance during and after economic downturns. The federal government pays the full cost of SNAP benefits and splits the cost of administering the program with the states, which operate it. SNAP operates in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, G

SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is the nation’s most important anti-hunger program. In an average month in 2024, SNAP helped an average of more than 41 million low-income people in the United States afford a nutritionally adequate diet. SNAP provides important nutritional support for working families with low-paying jobs, low-income older adults (60 years and older) and people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and households with low incomes. Nearly 62 percent of SNAP participants are in families with children, and nearly 37 percent are in househo