In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down SNAP, explaining how the federal food assistance program works, who qualifies, and the main arguments for expanding or limiting it.
November 8, 2025
What is SNAP?
Picture this: you’re a farmer with a loooot of extra corn (it’s coming out of your ears). But people can’t afford your corn, so they go to the soup kitchen instead, and you have to throw away excess cobs.
That’s the scenario that prompted the U.S.’s first food stamp program during the Great Depression: The government issued stamps to the poor, which they could exchange for surplus commodities. Two decades later, the 1964 Food Stamp Act made the program permanent, and in 2008, it was renamed SNAP—Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
How large is SNAP?
Roughly 42 million people receive SNAP every month (1 in 8 U.S. residents). Children account for 39% of SNAP recipients, with roughly 1 in 5 children in the U.S. receiving SNAP benefits.
The average SNAP benefit is $187/month per person and can be spent on certain groceries and non-alcoholic beverages.
How do you qualify for SNAP?
Eligibility requirements:
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U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen
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Gross income of below 130% of the federal poverty level (the federal poverty level is $15,650/year for an individual)
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Limited assets (e.g., non-retirement cash of less than $3,000)
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Able-bodied adult under 60 without dependents working/volunteering 20+ hours a week to receive benefits for longer than three months
Note: SNAP is administered by the states, which have some discretion to relax or tighten eligibility thresholds.
What do both sides say?
Liberals generally want to see SNAP expanded, arguing that it lowers food insecurity, improves children’s health and educational outcomes, and boosts local low-income economies (money is spent quickly at local stores).
Conservatives generally want to see tighter limits on SNAP. They support benefits going to hard-working Americans who have fallen on hard times, but are concerned about people cheating the system, becoming reliant on government aid, or misusing benefits.
Want to dig deeper into SNAP and hear answers to reader-submitted questions? Check out today’s episode of the TPO Explains podcast.
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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
When discussing divisive topics, such as how to best administer SNAP benefits, remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ. We shouldn’t sacrifice relationships to win arguments.
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18 (CSB) (read full passage)
Prefer to respond on your knees? Check out our new Sunday newsletter, Praying the News.
