FNS Documents & Resources

SNAP is intended to alleviate food insecurity among low-income households. Towards this end, it provides eligible low-income households with a monthly benefit amount (SNAP allotment) based on household size and net income to purchase foods from authorized retailers that can be prepared and eaten at home.

Many Americans living in poverty do not have access to healthy food at a reasonable price, compelling them to make unhealthy food choices. The goal of SNAP is to increase food security and access to a healthy diet among low-income households.