The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly the Food Stamp Program) is the Nation's largest domestic food and nutrition assistance program for low-income Americans.

ERS research focuses on SNAP's effectiveness in meeting income support and diet quality objectives. ERS analyzes:

• SNAP participants' food consumption, spending, and obesity status,
• factors such as regional and store format that influence the affordability of foods,
• the role of prices and income in food choices,
• the effects of nutrition information on food choices,
• innovative strategies for improving food choices suggested by behavioral economics,
• and evaluation of program outcomes.

Information about program eligibility requirements, benefits, and application process is available from USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, the agency that administers the program.

Last updated: Monday, June 04, 2012

For more information contact: John A. Kirlin