What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to give benefits to needy families.

This federal program is run by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It contains many networks nationwide that are connected through USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).

Its main goal is to end hunger and provide access to healthy food. However, that’s not all that the program does.

Teaching people about nutrition is another great service they provide. Whether you’re an adult or child, making better decisions about what you eat will benefit your health.

To find out if you’re eligible for SNAP, go here.

Next, let’s take a look at a few of the programs in SNAP that help different groups of people.

Top SNAP Programs

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

This program gives federal benefits to states to use on food and health care information.

Nutrition education is available to low-income pregnant women, children under the age of 5, and infants that are found to be at risk.

Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program

The WIC Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is an additional service that gives coupons to those who qualify.

These coupons can be used with all eligible farmers, farmer’s markets, and other roadside food stands.

National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) works with public and non-private schools and other child care facilities.

It provides healthy meals at little to no cost.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides additional food and supplements to low-income Americans.

Through this federal program, states provide food banks with what they need, depending on how many people are at risk. It is based on each state’s need.

School Breakfast Program

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) provides financial backup to states that run non-profit school breakfast programs. This includes schools as well as childcare facilities.

Child and Adult Care Food Program

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program that finances state-run child care, daycare homes, and adult day care homes.

Its goal is to make sure each person has access to nutritious meals and snacks. Whether you’re a small child or a full-grown adult, the CACFP looks after your health and wellness.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFAVP) aims to address the problem of childhood obesity. Its goal is to help kids try new produce and fresh produce that they might not have had before.

By introducing fruits and vegetables to kids at an early age, there’s a good chance that their diet habits will be greatly improved.

Learn more about SNAP at Benefits.gov.