The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families in the United States. SNAP benefits are distributed electronically through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to purchase food at authorized retail stores. Unlike loans, SNAP benefits do not have to be repaid.
SNAP is an important program that helps to reduce food insecurity and hunger in the United States. In fiscal year 2021, SNAP provided benefits to an average of 41.5 million people each month. SNAP benefits have been shown to improve the health and well-being of participants, and they can also help to boost the local economy.