SNAP is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger and a powerful tool to improve nutrition among low-income people. A USDA study found that participating in SNAP for 6 months is associated with a significant decrease in food insecurity1. An additional USDA study found that SNAP participants typically spend less on average on food than eligible non-participants, and spend more of their food dollars on foods prepared at home2. Further studies indicate that overall, there are no major differences between the types of foods purchased by SNAP-participating households and non-participating households. 

SNAP-Ed supports SNAP’s role in addressing food insecurity and is central to SNAP’s efforts to improve nutrition and prevent or reduce diet-related chronic disease and obesity among SNAP recipients.