Food Stamp Act

About the Act

The Food Stamp Act authorizes the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.

Legislation

• View the full text of the Food Stamp Act, as amended by the Agricultural Act of 2014

Regulations and Guidance

• View the USDA Federal Regulations: SNAP Eligibility for Students Enrolled in Higher Education [7 C.F.R. § 273.5(b)]
• View the USDA's Demystifying SNAP Student Eligibility presentation (December 2024)
• View the USDA's SNAP Benefits for Eligible Students guidance memo (GENERAL-25-08; January 2025)
• View the USDA's SNAP College Student Eligibility flyer/infographic
• Visit the USDA's SNAP for Students webpage
• View the USDA's SNAP Policy Memorandum: Institutions of Higher Education and Student Eligibility Rules
• View the USDA's SNAP - Clarification of Policies Barriers Facing Homeless Youth
• Download the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Dear Colleague Letter: Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2023 - SNAP Work Exceptions for Homeless and Foster Youth (November 2023)