Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. Oregon works with our federal partners, other State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed decisions about applying for the program and can access benefits.
SNAP is a federal nutrition program. The Program's laws and regulations are based on the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 passed by Congress in 2008. In 1974 Congress required all States to offer food benefits to low-income households. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the program.
The intent of the Program is to help improve the health and well-being of low-income households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs. Some important pieces of information for you to know:
- SNAP benefits are a supplement. They are not meant to meet all of the food needs of a household or an individual, but to supplement their nutritional needs.
- People do not need to be destitute to qualify for SNAP benefits.
In Oregon, the SNAP Program is administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Children, Adults and Families Division. The eligibility determination and issuance of benefits are provided through DHS and AAA offices across the state.
In August of 2013, about 808,244 Oregonians in 443,501 households received food benefits. The average monthly benefit was about $235 per household. The benefits paid to households are paid 100% by the federal government, and the cost of administering the program is paid 50% by the federal government and 50% by the state.
In Oregon, the benefits are distributed through the state's Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, which allows recipients to obtain their benefits by using an "Oregon Trail Card" at the grocery store card-scanning devices.