

How it works
SNAP is the nation's largest federally funded nutrition assistance program and first line of defense against food and nutrition insecurity. The program provides benefits via an electronic benefit card (EBT), which participants can use to buy groceries nationwide.
SNAP should be accessible for all people in need, provide adequate benefits, and encourage nutritious foods. Participating grocery stores should stock and promote healthy options.
Healthy SNAP strategies
How CSPI and others are building a stronger, healthier SNAP program
What participants are saying

On adequacy of SNAP benefits
"The cost of eating healthy is ten times more than what SNAP benefits can cover." - A SNAP participant in North Carolina

On SNAP incentives
"[Fruit and vegetable incentives] would benefit me a lot because no matter how much I try and make it stretch, it doesn't ever seem to stretch." - A SNAP participant in Iowa

On testing a opt-in model that does not include SSBs in SNAP
"It would help to keep me more health conscious because that way my kids and husband won’t buy sodas anymore.” - A SNAP participant in North Carolina
In the news
- Congress: how long will you let children and families go hungry? (The Hill, 2020)
Op-ed
- Now is the time to strengthen America’s Nutrition Infrastructure (The Hill, 2021)
Op-ed
- Strengthening SNAP is the most effective way to address the growing hunger crisis (The Hill, 2020)
Op-ed
- Recommendations for a Healthy Eating SNAP Pilot in North Carolina
Report
- Rethinking grocery stores for a healthier SNAP
Op-ed
- Read more about SNAP
CSPI news
Our team
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Resources
Advocacy resources
- Leveraging SNAP to Improve Public Health: A toolkit for advocates
- SNAP Boosts Food Security and the Economy: CSPI's SNAP Policy Priorities for COVID-19
- Relief Can't Wait: Beyond the Curve: Dr. Peter Lurie's COVID-19 Blog
- Letter to Congress Re: Misleading USDA News Release
- USDA Misleads on “Increased SNAP Benefits”
- CSPI Comment on Proposed Rule Re: SNAP Standard Utility Allowances
- Trump SNAP Rule an Assault on Low-Income Americans
- Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Trump Administration Proposes Classifying Spray Cheese as a Staple Food Variety Under SNAP Program