The Food Stamp Act

The Food Stamp Act authorizes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the largest program in the U.S. domestic hunger safety net. SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the SNAP program and works with 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. FNS also works with state partners and the retail community to improve program administration and ensure program integrity.

Download the full text of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 or the full text of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008.

Download the U.S. Department of Agriculture memorandum entitled, SNAP – Clarification of Policies Barriers Facing Homeless Youth

• Download the U.S. Department of Agriculture tip sheet entitled, Are you homeless? You might be able to get food help from SNAP!.
• Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Pre-Screening Eligibility Tool.