FAQ

What is SNAP?

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides monthly money for groceries to eligible households. SNAP is a federal nutrition program that is federally funded and state administered.

Who uses SNAP?

SNAP is used by anyone who is eligible. That can mean adults, children, seniors, or anyone else legally living in the US. Eligibility is mostly determined by income, assets, and work status. Here are a few statistics about who uses SNAP in Maine.

60% of SNAP participants are in families with children

43% of SNAP participants are in families with members who are elderly or disabled

41% are in working families

Is the SNAP Challenge demeaning to those using SNAP?

We hope not and want to welcome SNAP participants to be a part of the experience as well. Food insecurity is a complex issue and the SNAP challenge is not meant to imitate the lives of those experiencing food insecurity and poverty. The SNAP challenge is primarily meant to be an opportunity to reflect on the issue of food insecurity. Those using SNAP are encouraged to share their experiences with the program.

Isn't SNAP supplemental? Why does the challenge ask participants to rely entirely on SNAP?

SNAP is meant to help participants reach a budget that the USDA FNS has determined to be enough for someone to afford a nutritionally adequate diet. This budget is known as the Thrifty Food Plan and those amounts can be found here. The reality is that many families using SNAP are pressured to spend their cash on things that are not as flexible as their food budget, such as rent or utilities. The average SNAP budget tends to be a more accurate representation of what people actually use on food. Participants are also welcome to use the Thrifty Food Plan amounts since those numbers are what the USDA FNS actually expects to be an adequate amount for food. The Thrifty Food Plan would designate $48.50 for a week instead of $28.

I've heard that SNAP is wasted on luxurious foods and is also commonly subject to fraud and abuse. Is this true?

The USDA FNS released a study about SNAP household spending habits compared to standard households and found that the trends in spending did not differ significantly. Error is also at historic lows at about 2% of program costs. Current policy allows participants to buy any food product except for alcohol and hot prepared foods.

Should my children be included in the challenge?

The challenge can be catered to fit the comfort of your family. Taking the time to discuss and reflect on the experience is equally as important as the spending commitment itself. Including children in the discussion is highly encouraged but we do not believe that the health of anyone should be compromised for the sake of the challenge. An alternative to including children in the challenge is to take extra time during the week to check the cheaper alternatives that might allow you to stay within the budget. You may or may not be able to find a way to make it work but you will at least be able to see how the challenge would affect your choices.