About SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps low-income families buy the food they need in order to stay healthy. 

Overview

The SNAP program helps provide healthy foods to low-income families. If you are eligible for SNAP, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is used like a debit card at the grocery store. The card uses money from a SNAP account set up for the eligible family to pay for food items. The benefits can only be used on eligible food purchases. 

Immediate food assistance is available: If you need food assistance immediately, and are eligible, we can provide benefits within seven days. You must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for the expedited services.

Eligibility: Households must meet certain eligibility and income requirements to receive SNAP benefits.

Man wearing cloth face covering and gloves shops for apples
Food & Nutrition Brochure
How much will I get in food assistance through SNAP?

The amount of SNAP you get (also called benefit amount), depends on a variety of circumstances such as, the number of people in your household, your income, and other factors. Generally, the larger the household size or the lower the income, the higher the benefit amount.

 

What food can I buy with my SNAP benefits?

You can use your SNAP benefits at grocery stores and farmers markets.

Covered by SNAP Not covered by SNAP
  • Breads and cereals
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meats, fish, and poultry
  • Dairy products
  • Seeds and plants that produce food

 

  • Beer, wine or liquor
  • Cigarettes or tobacco
  • Vitamins and medicines
  • Food that can be eaten in-store
  • Prepared foods
  • Non-food items:
    • Pet food, soaps, paper products and household supplies.
Other services
External Resources
Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters course is a six-week program that provide practical nutrition and budgeting information, tasty recipes and hands-on cooking lessons. Through these courses, participants learn how to select nutritious and low-cost ingredients and prepare them in ways that provide the best nourishment possible for themselves and their families.
External Resources
Double Up Food Bucks: There are several farmers markets in Idaho that will double your food stamp benefits! Programs vary by market but at some locations you can get up to a $20 match per market visit! This means take $20 off your EBT card and receive another $20 to spend on fruits and vegetables for you and your family.