Partner Resources

Basic Food (SNAP)

Our first line of defense against hunger.

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

What is Basic Food?

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

This federal program assists 920,000+ Washingtonians each month, over 34% of which are children. Basic Food 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, Basic Food 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 Basic Food in Washington are not enrolled in the program. Join us in the effort to close this gap.

Let’s set the record straight.

There’s lots of information out there about Basic Food (SNAP).

Some families worry that receiving Basic Food (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 Basic Food benefits to anyone who is eligible. There is no cap on the number of people who can participate, and every Basic Food dollar spent helps grow the economy!
Most people receiving Basic Food (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 Basic Food. 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, Basic Food participation can have a significant impact on a household’s budget. Unused Basic Food 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 Basic Food users increase the amount of produce they can buy with your SNAP dollars, such as the SNAP Market Match program. Finally, participating in Basic Food can qualify families for other assistance programs, such as free school meals, SUN Bucks, discounted internet, and more.
While undocumented immigrants do not qualify for Basic Food (SNAP), they can still receive benefits on behalf of an eligible family member (such as a child or partner who is a US citizen).
Basic Food is not considered in a "public charge" test and will not impact immigration status. Applying for or receiving Basic Food 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 Basic Food 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).
In May 2025, the federal government requested the personal information of individuals receiving Basic Food (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 Basic Food.

Outreach Materials

Help spread the word! Get families in your community get connected to Basic Food (SNAP).

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

Need physical materials too? Order free flyers here.