The federal government funds all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) subsidies and shares the administrative costs with state governments. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees SNAP through an extensive network of field offices. These local FNS offices are responsible for licensing and regulating retail food businesses that participate in SNAP. Meanwhile, state authorities determine eligibility for SNAP benefits and handle the monthly distribution of payments to recipients.
How Does SNAP Work?
The transition from paper food stamps to electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards began in 1990 and was fully completed by 2014. EBT cards function similarly to debit cards, being linked to benefits accounts. Each month, these cards are reloaded with benefits, which recipients can use to purchase food at stores that accept EBT payments, such as grocery stores and gas stations. State governments manage the distribution of benefits and monitor their use through the EBT system.
To access benefits, participants use their EBT cards, which require a personal identification number (PIN). These cards can be used at EBT participating stores, ATMs, and point-of-sale (POS) terminals just like debit cards. The shift to EBT cards has streamlined the process, making it more efficient and secure for recipients to access their benefits and purchase food.