SNAP Myths vs. Facts: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the nation’s most effective and efficient tool to address hunger, yet it’s surrounded by myths that create stigma and confusion. Here are the facts around some of the most common misconceptions.

Myth 1: People on SNAP don’t work.

Fact: Many SNAP recipients work. Eligibility is based on household income, not employment status. Also, more than two-thirds of SNAP participants are not expected to work, primarily because they are children, seniors, or people with disabilities.

• If you’re unemployed and receiving unemployment benefits, you’re exempt from work requirements.
• Currently, able-bodied adults without dependents under 14 must meet work reporting requirements.
• Changes under HR1 (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) expanded work reporting requirements to include adults up to age 64, parents with dependents over 14 (as noted above), and removed exemptions for veterans, youth aging out of foster care, and homeless individuals.

Myth 2: SNAP is full of fraud.

Fact: SNAP has one of the lowest fraud rates among federal programs.

• Strict rules and penalties exist for fraud.
• Recipients must regularly recertify their eligibility with their county office. For more information on recertification in Minnesota, visit the DCYF website.
• SNAP Payment Error Rates are not the same as fraud. According to the USDA, these errors in SNAP payments are largely unintentional and can happen when an applicant is determined eligible when they are not, or an eligible participant receives more or less benefits than they are entitled to.
• Work requirements are enforced for certain individuals: if you can’t prove 80+ work hours per month, benefits end.
• The biggest challenge SNAP faces is individuals having their benefits stolen, not fraud by recipients.

Myth 3: Undocumented immigrants can use SNAP.

Fact: Undocumented individuals have never been eligible for SNAP.

• Only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents qualify, with very few exceptions.
• Refugees, asylees, and other lawfully-present immigrants with humanitarian status are on track to lose eligibility under HR1.

Myth 4: SNAP households only buy junk food.

Fact: SNAP households shop similarly to non-SNAP households.

• About 80 cents of every dollar of food purchased by SNAP households was spent on meat, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, bread, cereal, dairy products, rice, and beans.
• The top expenditure? Proteins like meat, poultry, and seafood.

Myth 5: SNAP can be used for alcohol, cigarettes, or fast food.

Fact: SNAP benefits can only be used for groceries, such as:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants for growing food

Not allowed:

• Alcohol and tobacco
• CBD and THC products
• Hot prepared foods
• Vitamins, medicines, supplements
• Non-food items (pet food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products)

For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed under SNAP, see the USDA website.

Myth 6: Too many people are on SNAP.

Fact: There are many eligible individuals who do not utilize SNAP, even though rising grocery costs have increased SNAP participation and spending nationally. In fact, Minnesota has one of the lowest SNAP participation rates in the country.

SNAP also returns money to the local economy through supporting grocery stores and other retailers, farmers, and food producers. Studies show that SNAP generates $1.50 in economic activity for every $1 in SNAP assistance.

SNAP is a vital program that helps neighbors access nutritious food. Help dispel these myths to keep families in our community fed.