Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, have several ways to maximize their benefits.
SNAP benefits are calculated based on household income and size. The recipient’s household income generally must be at or below 130% of the poverty line. In fiscal 2023, the poverty line used to calculate SNAP benefits is $1,920 a month.
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An average monthly SNAP benefit for a household of three is $577, with a maximum of $740. An average payment for a household of eight is $1,150, with a maximum of $1,691. Any household higher than eight can be calculated by adding a maximum of $211 per additional person.
Here are six ways that families can stretch their SNAP budgets.
Double SNAP dollars at farmer’s markets
In several states, households can double the value of their SNAP benefits by spending them at participating farmer’s markets and stores.
Residents can search online for SNAP Double Dollars or Double Up Food Bucks in their state to see which markets participate in the program.
Use cash-back apps
Many cash-back apps, such as Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Checkout 51, work with SNAP benefits. Recipients can look for apps that work with stores that accept an EBT, or electronic benefit transfer, card.
Households will need to scan their recipient after shopping, depending on the app used. Some apps can offer up to $1 back or more on certain purchases.
Create a coupon and discounts strategy
SNAP recipients should search for high discounts when shopping for expensive groceries such as meat or laundry detergent.
Cutting coupons and arranging them by expiration date can assist recipients in finding good offers and prioritizing their purchases.
Make a shopping list
Everyone is subject to impulse purchases, and shopping on a SNAP benefit budget makes it harder to deviate from the necessary items.
Creating a list and sticking to it can help avoid food waste, reduce stress, and make it easier to stick to a budget.
Create a meal plan
Meal prepping can also be a way to generate a shopping list and stretch out food items over days.
Recipients of SNAP benefits should also buy food staples, such as rice, canned beans, and frozen vegetables. These items can be used in several dishes.
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Buy in bulk
Buying favorite food items in bulk can help families with SNAP benefits generate big savings if the household can afford it. Monthly stipends may not be enough to buy in bulk every month, but saving some funds could allow for purchasing bulk items in the future.
Recipients should stagger bulk buying based on what items are needed each month if they can. Households who bought rice in bulk one month should buy pasta or beans a few months later.
