What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as ‘food stamps,’ is a federal nutrition program that provides monthly food benefits to low-income households to supplement their grocery budget. SNAP supports the health and well-being of individuals and families, allowing households to purchase the foods they need. The program also strengthens our economy and supports our agricultural producers, as SNAP benefits allow households to spend more on food.
How does SNAP work?
SNAP participants receive a monthly benefit that is calculated based on factors like income, resources, and number of individuals in the household. Individuals, couples, and families may be eligible if their income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). You can find the current eligibility income limits and maximum benefit amounts for household size here.
SNAP participants receive the benefit amount every month on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which looks and functions like a debit card. SNAP participants can use the card in participating stores, as well as participating online stores, in the same way they’d use a debit card.
The benefit can be doubled in value for fruit and vegetable purchases in certain markets and stores by participating in the Double Up Food Bucks program, which provides incentives for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.
What can I buy?
You can use SNAP benefits to purchase food for your household, such as: 
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
Under current SNAP rules, you CANNOT use SNAP benefits to buy:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements.
- Live animals
- Foods that are hot at the point of sale (although Hunger Free Colorado is working to change this. Learn more here.)
- Any non-food items such as:
- Pet foods
- Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies
- Hygiene items, cosmetics
We understand that navigating SNAP may feel intimidating, but we want to help!
Call us at our Hunger Free Colorado Hotline (855-855-4626) for questions about navigating the SNAP application process as well as other food resources in your area.