SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services (USDA FNS). SNAP increases food security for more than 682,000 Maryland residents each month (as of February 2023 data). Households qualify for SNAP benefits based on eligibility Supplemental guidelines, including household size, gross monthly income, and basic household expenses. SNAP recipients receive their monthly benefits on a debit-style Electronic Benefit Transfer (SNAP/EBT) card. In Maryland, this SNAP/EBT card is called the “Independence Card” and can be used to pay for eligible food items from USDA-certified retailers.
What is a “SNAP-eligible” food? Examples of SNAP-eligible items include fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meat, fish, poultry, seeds and plants that produce fruits and vegetables, eggs, dairy, and frozen foods. Examples of ineligible SNAP items include hot foods, vitamins or medicine, paper products, soap, and alcohol. Learn more at USDA FNS. SNAP acceptance at farmers markets is a practice that strengthens local economies, broadens customer bases for farmers markets and direct-marketing farms, and provides consumers experiencing food insecurity with greater access to fresh, locally produced fruits, vegetables, and other foods. SNAP redemption with farmers and at farmers markets has increased steadily since the COVID-19 Pandemic. In response to mounting pandemic-related food insecurity, the USDA temporarily increased SNAP allotments and issued Pandemic EBT (P-EBT). These increases have now ended but consumers may still have unspent balances to shop with. P-EBT was issued to help families purchase food while schools were closed due to COVID-19. Learn more at Maryland DHS.
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