Partner Resources

SNAP (Basic Food)

Our first line of defense against hunger.

With an average benefit of $322, SNAP brings peace of mind to over 920,000 Washingtonians each month.

What is SNAP?

Known in Washington as Basic Food, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides low-income households with extra money for groceries.

This federal program assists 920,000+ Washingtonians each month, over 34% of which are children. SNAP ensures that low-income households can get food on the table with dignity and choice, giving them flexibility in their budgets to cover the costs of other basic needs.

In addition to helping families, SNAP is a proven economic stimulus. The program infuses Washington’s economy with over $169,000,000 monthly. This money, spent at local grocery stores and markets, leads to more jobs, higher wages, and greater spending across all sectors.

Estimates show that 48% of individuals who are income-eligible for SNAP in Washington are not enrolled in the program. Join us in the effort to close this gap.

There’s lots of information out there about SNAP.

Let’s set the record straight.

Some families worry that receiving SNAP benefits takes money away from other families that may be in more need. This is not true! SNAP is not a fixed pot of funding that can run out - the government is mandated to provide SNAP benefits to anyone who is eligible. There is no cap on the number of people who can participate in SNAP, and every SNAP dollar spent helps grow the economy!
Most people receiving SNAP are employed. Eligibility is based on a household’s overall income and expenses, including housing, utilities, and medical care. That said, unemployment is not a disqualifier for receiving SNAP. In fact, SNAP is a powerful tool to get people back in the workforce through the Basic Food Education and Training Program (BFET).
Every household’s benefit amount will vary, ranging from a few dollars to over $1000 per month. In Washington in 2024, the average benefit amount per household was $322 per month.
Even with a low benefit amount, SNAP participation can have a significant impact on a household’s budget. Unused SNAP dollars roll over from month to month, so households can save them up as a cushion for emergencies or holidays. There are also several programs that can help SNAP users increase the amount of produce they can buy with your SNAP dollars, such as the SNAP Market Match program. Finally, participating in SNAP can qualify families for other assistance programs, such as free school meals, SUN Bucks, discounted internet, and more. See the full list here.
While undocumented immigrants do not qualify for SNAP, they can still receive benefits on behalf of an eligible family member (such as a child or partner who is a US citizen).
SNAP is not considered in a "public charge" test and will not impact immigration status. Applying for or receiving SNAP will NOT affect a family’s ability to remain in the United States, get a Green Card, or become U.S. Citizens.
If a family doesn’t qualify for SNAP because of immigration status, there are still options for food support. In Washington, legal permanent residents who meet all other Basic Food requirements can still receive extra money for groceries through the State Food Assistance Program (FAP). Learn more here.
In May 2025, the federal government requested the personal information of individuals receiving SNAP benefits in Washington state, including immigration status and social security numbers. Washington state intends to deny this request, though we encourage households with immigration concerns to consult an immigration attorney before applying for SNAP.

Outreach Materials

Help spread the word! Get families in your community get connected to SNAP.

Download digital outreach materials, including flyers and social media content that busts common myths about SNAP. Our SNAP flyer is translated into Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese, Amharic, and Chinese.

Need physical materials too? Order free flyers here.